[imagesource:peakpix]

A British photographer has died after being hit by a runaway bike at the British Motocross Championships on Sunday.

Simon Mitchell, 50, was hit by the motorbike after a rider got thrown off during a jump. The bike then went flying through the hay barrier and struck Mitchell who was taking pictures of the race.

The event which was attended by almost 10 000 people was closed down shortly after. The motorbike rider came away unscathed. It is believed that Mitchell and another field marshall were standing on a spot that was closed off to spectators when the rider lost control of his bike. The other marshall also sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital.

A spokesperson for the race said that it is rare for spectators to be injured in motocross, and the only death he could remember in his 25 years of experience in the sport was that of a rider.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late photographer, and family members have taken heart in knowing he died doing what he loved.

“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.”

Motorcross is a notoriously dangerous sport, even if the pros make it look easy. So if you’re thinking of taking up the sport, perhaps have a look at the below video before buying a crotch rocket.

[source:mirror]