On Air Good Friday Breakfast Chris Williams | 6:00am - 10:00am

Inquest hears racer died in heat of TT action

 

A verdict of misadventure has been recorded at the inquest into the death of an experienced rider during last year's TT. 

Thirty-four-year-old Karl Harris from Birmingham crashed at the 26th milestone known as Joey's 3, during the Superstock race on 3 June 2014.

The inquest heard a yellow marshals' flag telling riders to slow down, waved during the second lap of the race at Ramsey Hairpin, led to four riders bunching closely together.

Eye-witnesses confirmed Mr Harris took the Gooseneck bend very quickly and on a wider line than usual.

On reaching Joey's 3, his front tyre clipped the back wheel of fellow competitior Manxman Joe Faragher, sending both riders and bikes into the air. 

The riders were travelling at between 110 and 140 miles per hour.

Marshals at the scene had to duck from the flying debris, and the metal scaffolding they were standing on was moved a foot backwards from the impact of the bikes.

Mr Harris landed in a ravine and a post mortem report said he died instantly from multiple head injuries.

Coroner of Inquests John Needham said Karl Harris would have entered the race fully aware of the risks, knowing the TT is one of the most dangerous road races in the world, with its tragic side. 

He recorded a verdict of misadventure - an action taken  deliberately which went tragically wrong.

 

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