Simon Mitchell’s family said they were “devastated”
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 in Swindon, attended by 10,000 people.
The family of Mr Mitchell said he was “taking pictures in a place he adored”.
Ms Dancey said her brother had been “doing what he loved” when he died
His sister, Nikki Dancey, said photography and motocross “came before everything else in life”.
“I think the fact that he was where he was, doing what he loved, I think in time that will bring us some comfort,” she said.
“Foxhill was a big love of his, he adored that event. That was his place.”
His family were “devastated” by his loss, she added.
Image source, Revo ACU British Motocross Championship
The track at Foxhill is known for its challenging terrain
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 MXC, was stopped immediately. The rider was not hurt in the crash.
A police and Auto Cycle Union investigation has started.
A rider came off his bike during a jump and the machine crashed through a barrier made of bales
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 RHL Activities said: “Langrish MX Club, are saddened to announce the death of Simon Mitchell, a gentleman well known within the motocross community.
“The thoughts and condolences of everyone concerned are with Simon’s family and friends at this time.”
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.
“It is a massive tragedy,” Gareth Hockey, the event’s promoter, said
“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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