15 May 2023 , 13:12
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Tributes have been paid to photographer Simon Mitchell, who died after being hit by a runaway bike at the British Motocross Championships.
Mitchell, who was in his 50s, was killed when a rider dismounted during a jump, as the bike veered off and crashed through a barrier made of hay bales. The weekend racing event at Foxhill near Swindon, attended by around 10,000 people, was promptly abandoned shortly after the incident which took place at around 2:50pm on Sunday.
A marshal, a man in his 60s, also suffered a serious injury. Tragedy struck towards the end of the Premier Class Race, and Mitchell and the marshal were behind a specific point not for spectators, a spokesperson confirmed to BBC Sport.
The rider was not hurt. After working in motocross for 25 years, the spokesperson said it was "very rare" for a non-rider to be killed and that he could "not remember a fatality that wasn't a rider".
In a statement on its website, the series promoter confirmed: "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."
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Mitchell's sister, Nikki Dancey, said: "My family and I are deeply saddened to share the dreadful news that our brother, son and uncle tragically lost his life yesterday in a freak accident at the Foxhill motocross event in Swindon, despite the best efforts of paramedics and air ambulance doctors.
Simon Mitchell has been named as the man who diedHe'd worked with VMXdN Foxhill for many years, both as a photographer and in other roles, and was a huge support of motocross. In a tribute posted on social media, the team at VMXdN Foxhill said Mitchell will be remembered as a "genuinely lovely guy."
"The entire team at VMXdN Foxhill is deeply saddened by the passing of Simon Mitchell yesterday afternoon (May 14) following a freak accident trackside," they said. "Simon was a brilliant photographer, a huge motocross enthusiast, and an incredible supporter of VMXdN Foxhill from day one."
Foxhill regularly stages motocross events (Facebook)"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."
The event, organised by Langrish MCC, marked the third round of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championships. Foxhill is considered to be one of the best motocross tracks in the UK and has played host to several events.
The 1.5 mile (2.4km) long track is renowned for its challenging terrain and steep hills. It's also known for technical sections, and features a variety of jumps, berms and obstacles.