Inquest: Racer Davy died after losing control of his bike inquest hears

Inquest: Racer Davy died after losing control of his bike inquest hears

22 February 2023

AN inquest has heard that experienced Saintfield road racer Davy Morgan died at the Isle of Man TT last year after losing control of his bike.

The 52 year-old crashed during the third and final lap of the Supersport race on June 6.

The inquest in Douglas heard that photographs taken at the scene showed either Mr Morgan’s 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 just after Guthrie’s Memorial on the Mountain Road section of the TT course and collided with padded barriers.

An experienced marshal who witnessed the incident said Mr Morgan was riding on the racing line through the corner at a “very safe, normal speed” and attributed the crash to rider error.

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

Mr Morgan’s 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 that it took 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.

During his TT career he recorded a seventh place finish in the 2006 Senior TT and a career-best fifth place finish in the 2008 Lightweight TT. He won the Senior Manx Grand Prix in 2004.

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

Recording a verdict of misadventure, the coroner passed on his condolences to Mr Morgan’s partner, who was present in the court, as well as his wider family and friends.