A MOTOCROSS rider died after suffering a traumatic brain injury following an accident at a track in Powys last weekend.
Duncan Powell, 35, died following what his family called a “freak accident” at the motocross track near Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, on Sunday, July 28.
Mr Powell, from Knucklas, was a married father of three children, and would have celebrated his 36th birthday on Friday, August 2.
Rachel Knight, the assistant coroner for the south Wales central area, opened an inquest into Mr Powell’s death this week and adjourned a full hearing to a later date.
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A coroner’s office spokesperson said: “Mr Powell was an experienced motorcross rider.
“On July 28, 2024, he attended at Mid Wales Motorcross at Penybont. Mr Powell has had an unwitnessed fall from his bike.
“Paramedics have attended swiftly and Mr Powell was airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales, where despite best efforts he passed away.”
While a post mortem examination was not carried out, a hospital consultant provided the cause of death as 'traumatic brain injury' and 'motocross accident'.
A spokesperson for Powys County Council added: “The council has been made aware of this incident and is making initial enquiries as part of its investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the person’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters attended the scene of the accident, which occurred shortly before 10.30am on Sunday at Neuadd Farm, Penybont.
Event organisers Mid Wales Motocross confirmed Mr Powell’s death in a post on their Facebook page on Monday.
His family described him as having a “smile that went from ear to ear” and they made it clear that no-one was to blame for his death.
Friends described him as “a great person, kind, funny and someone who would help anybody”; and he was renowned for being a talented mechanic and motocross rider.
What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?
Reporting on inquests is one of the most difficult jobs faced by any journalist, but there are important reasons why local newspapers attend coroner’s court hearings and report on proceedings.
- The owners of Neuadd Farm have asked us to point out the motocross is not located on the farm, as was said in earlier versions of this story.
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