British Motocross death: Tribute to 'passionate' photographer

A family has been left "devastated" after a "passionate" photographer was hit and killed by a bike at the British Motocross Championships.

Simon Mitchell, who was in his 50s, died when a rider came off his bike during a jump and the machine crashed through a barrier made of bales.

A marshal in his 60s also suffered a serious injury at Sunday's event, attended by 10,000 people.

The family of Mr Mitchell said he was "taking pictures in a place he adored".

His sister, Nikki Dancey, said: "That and motocross came before everything else in life."

His family was "devastated", she said.

The event was abandoned after the crash at about 14:50 BST.

It happened at the end of the Premier Class Race, a spokesperson for the event said.

Both men were behind a specific marshal point and not with spectators.

The event, organised by Langrish MCC, was stopped immediately. The rider was not hurt in the crash.

A police and Auto Cycle Union investigation has started.

An event spokesperson, who has worked in motocross for 25 years, said it was "very rare in motocross" 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 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."

Gareth Hockey, the event's promoter, added: "It is a massive tragedy. Simon was a popular guy around here."

Mr Hockey said his thoughts were with Mr Mitchell and his family.

"He had a very strong character," Mr Hockey said.

"He was very happy. This venue seemed to be Simon's happy place.

"He loved taking pictures, he loved the sport, like we all do."

The weekend's event was the third round of the Revo ACU British Motocross Championship.

Foxhill, home to the Langrish MCC, is considered 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 known for its challenging terrain, steep hills, and technical sections and features a variety of jumps, berms, and obstacles.

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