Misadventure verdict at inquest into veteran TT rider's death

Davy Morgan lost of control of his bike at 27th Milestone

A verdict of misadventure has been recorded at the inquest into the death of TT rider Davy Morgan.

The 52-year-old, from Northern Ireland, died after suffering neck and chest injuries after coming off his bike at the 27th Milestone on 6 June last year.

At Douglas Courthouse today, a witness described how Morgan, who was wearing his distinctive pink helmet, lost control of the front of his bike on a corner just before the Mountain Mile, colliding with barriers.

Photographs taken in the moments prior showed either his boot, or the foot peg of the bike, touching the road surface, and it was noted a 'distinct separate marking' could be seen on the road alongside tyre marks.

However, Coroner of Inquests James Brooks said it wasn't clear whether this happened before or after Mr Morgan lost control of the bike during the third and final lap of the Supersport Race.

An experienced marshal who witnessed the incident said Morgan was riding on the racing line through the corner at a 'very safe, normal speed' in 'Davy's style' - putting the crash down to rider error.

The inquest heard how road conditions on the day were dry, 'uncontaminated' and visibility was good.

His bike, a modified Yamaha, was inspected before and after the race and was described as a 'high quality machine, free from defects'.

Mr Brooks said by taking part in the TT races Mr Morgan was participating in an 'inherently risky activity' and it takes 'the briefest of moments to make that risk real'.

The race marked the racing veteran's 80th TT start, having contested every TT since his debut in 2002.

Through his career he'd recorded a seventh place finish in the 2006 Senior TT and a career-best fifth place finish in the 2008 Lightweight TT.

Following his death, the Manx Motorcycle Club described him as ‘one of their most popular competitors of recent times’.

Recording his verdict of misadventure, Mr Brooks passed on his condolences to Davy's partner, who was present in the court, as well as his wider family and friends.