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TT star died as result of misadventure

Fri, 16 Jan 2015

A three-time British Supersport champion died as a result of misadventure during last year's TT Races.

That was the verdict recorded by the Coroner of Inquests yesterday at the inquest of Birmingham man Karl 'Bomber' Harris.

The 34-year-old was killed on the second lap on the Superstock race on June 3rd near to the 26th Milestone.

The court heard evidence from other competitors who saw the collision between Harris and Island racer Joe Faragher.

Experienced rider David Madsen-Mygdall, who was riding behind the two men, said Harris had gone into the Gooseneck faster than he would normally take it, a little further along on the approach to the 26th milestone he collided with local racer Joe Faragher.

Both men, and their machines, became airborne leading to a "shower of debris" - one marshal recalled hearing spectators screaming and described the road as "looking like carnage".

Harris landed at the bottom of a small ravine suffering massive blunt force trauma to his head and neck, lungs as well as pelvic fractures, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

No mechanical defects were found with either machine leading the Coroner to formally conclude proceedings.

Faragher, who was also in court, said he had "absolutely no recollection" of the incident or the race itself - he suffered neck and leg injuries but has gone on to make a good recovery. 

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