Tributes have been paid to a photographer who was killed in a “freak accident” at the British Motocross Championship.
Motocross photographer Simon Mitchell died when he was hit by an unmanned bike during the event at the Foxhill track, near Swindon, on Sunday, May 14.
Simon worked with VMXdN Foxhill for many years, both as a photographer and in other roles, and was a huge supporter of the sport.
The team at VMXdN Foxhill said he will be remembered as a “genuinely lovely guy”, in a tribute released on social media today.
It read: “The entire team at VMXdN Foxhill is deeply saddened by the passing of Simon Mitchell yesterday afternoon (May 14) following a freak accident trackside.
“Simon was a brilliant photographer, a huge motocross enthusiast, and an incredible supporter of VMXdN Foxhill from day one.
“Simon was a genuinely lovely guy who always had time and wanted to help others.
“We know he will be so sadly missed by the whole VMXdN Team and the motocross community.
“Our thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
VMXdN added Simon captured “many memories that will forever be cherished” through his photography.
The shocking accident happened at around 2.50pm during Sunday’s event when a rider was dismounted following a jump.
The rider’s unmanned bike left the track and struck Simon, who had been in a section reserved for marshals and photographers.
A second man in his 60s, who was reportedly a marshal, was seriously injured in the incident and taken to hospital.
Police responded to the accident while the event was immediately cancelled.
The rider was not hurt in the crash.
Event promoters RHL Activities confirmed the race had been abandoned in a statement on their website.
It said: “RHL Activities are saddened to announce that this weekend’s meeting at Foxhill in Wiltshire has been cancelled. At this moment in time, we ask that everyone bears with us and any further updates will be made if required.”
A spokesperson for organisers Langrish MCC has since told the BBC that such an event is “very rare in motocross.”
They said that they could “not remember a fatality that wasn’t a rider” during their 25 years in the sport.
Wiltshire Police added Simon’s next of kin has been informed.
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