Accidental death ruling on visiting bikers

Inquest into riders' deaths at FoM

The death of two visiting motorcyclists in a crash on the Mountain Road on 30 August during last year's Festival of Motorcycling was an accident, the Island's coroner has ruled.

Inquest verdicts of accidental death were returned on 22 year old Lewis Clark from Pontefract in West Yorkshire and German visitor Christian Berkhan.

The hearing was told the riders collided head-on near the Black Hut on Mr Clark's side of the road, at a combined speed of 150 mph.

The inquest heard Mr Berkhan travelling towards Ramsey, overtook three other bikes moments before the crash, but witnesses said neither man was riding excessively fast or dangerously.

Coroner John Needham said Mr Clark and Mr Berkhan died from multiple injuries, as an unintended consequence of an overtake manoeuvre by Mr Berkhan.

Recording his verdict he said the accident, in which both men died instantly, was the result of a split second lack of concentration that had tragic consequences for both men.

The crash caused an explosion which engulfed both machines in flames.

Assessments of the bikes suggested neither had a mechanical fault while tests showed alcohol played no part in the incident.

Neither rider had time to react, but there was no explanation as to why Mr Berkhan did not see Mr Clark.

Mr Needham passed his condolences to both men's families.

Mr Clark's mother Beverley read an emotional statement to the court, saying Lewis's loss had left the family empty, still and quiet.

She paid tribute to her son as someone who lived life to the full, had a great sense of humour and would always be remembered with a smile.