Latest news with #HannahJames
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- News.com.au
Horrific update after superbikes tragedy as private family details emerge
The devastated girlfriend of a Superbike rider who died in a horrific pile-up lost her previous boyfriend in a tragic motorcycle crash nine years ago. Former grid girl Hannah James, 25, lost her boyfriend Shane Richardson, 29, after he died, alongside Owen Jenner, 21, in the devastating 11-bike smash on Monday. The riders went down at the very first turn of the race at Oulton Park in Cheshire, with horrific live footage showing how one racer lost control before skidding across the tarmac into the path of other bikers. The Sun now reports Hannah had also lost her previous boyfriend, Billy Redmayne, 25, to a horrific racing accident in 2016. On Monday, Shane, dad to two young kids, passed away after being treated for 'severe chest injuries', following the 11-man pile-up which was witnessed on live TV. 21-year-old Owen was also killed following the shocking crash at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship. An investigation has been launched by police into the tragic crash. Shane's heartbroken girlfriend has since shared an emotional family photo, showing Shane proudly standing with his young daughter, Maddie, while holding his toddler son, Max. Next to a broken heart emoji, one friend wrote: 'The most picture perfect family. 'Your love for each other was beautiful, which will live on in beautiful Maddie and Max. 'Sending so much love to you all.' It's the second tragedy for Hannah, following the death of Billy in 2016. The paratrooper, who had been friends with Shane before his death, suffered fatal injuries in a tragic crash at the Oliver's Mount Spring Cup in Scarborough. Despite being airlifted to hospital, his brain injuries were too severe to recover from, MailOnline reports. His life support machine was then turned off on his two-year anniversary with Hannah. Billy, of Laxey on the Isle of Man, won the Junior Manx Grand Prix in 2015 and was considered one of the sport's hottest prospects. Hannah previously posted on Facebook: 'Today was also the day that I lay in Billy's arms whilst he took his last breath. 'Words cannot describe how hard this is for us all, and to be honest it hasn't really sunk in yet. 'Saying goodbye to him was the hardest thing I have ever done. 'Happy Anniversary Billy. Sleep tight my love, until we meet again.' Billy was a serving member of the Parachute Regiment who had served in Afghanistan. In 2016, Shane had shared a photo of himself, Hannah and Billy in a tribute after the biker's death, before going on to date her. Ahead of his tragic death on Monday, business owner Shane, originally from New Zealand, posted a video on Facebook with him geared up for the race. In one of his final posts, he said: 'Race two ready! Let's Go!' Shane, who moved to the UK in 2019, was racing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki. He had finished ninth in last year's British Supersport Championship, having previously been crowned New Zealand rider of the year. In the tragic 'chain reaction' crash on Monday, multiple bikes began piling into each other, after one rider lost control and veered across their paths. One bike even caught fire in the devastating scenes as medics rushed to try and limit the damage. Tom Tunstall, 47, was quickly taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries, while five other riders were treated for minor injuries at the track. The event at Oulton Park was subsequently cancelled. Speaking out for the first time since the tragedy, fellow racer Morgan McLaren-Wood, who survived the crash, took to social media to share his sadness at the deaths. He wrote: 'Struggling to find the words for what happened today. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. 'My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.' Shortly after the crash, the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing issued a statement confirming the tragic deaths of Shane and Owen. While Shane died from his 'severe chest injuries', Owen tragically passed away after suffering a 'catastrophic head injury'. The statement read: 'At the start of this afternoon's Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. 'The race was immediately stopped, and trackside medical services deployed. 'Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled. 'This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another sustaining significant injuries. 'The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.' Cheshire Police also confirmed it would be investigating the two deaths. A spokesman for the force said: 'Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon. 'Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.' — This story originally appeared on The Sun
Telegraph
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Why those inside Superbikes love the sport despite the tragedy
In the hours before the worst crash in modern British Superbike (BSB) history, Shane Richardson had been kicking himself over a 'bad start'. 'Went backwards quite a few positions,' the Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki rider said of Sunday's Supersport (a support series to the BSB championship) sprint race at Oulton Park. Having subsequently made up ground from 15th to 11th, he was determined to build on progress with a 'better start' and to be 'a bit more in the mix' for Monday's race. Amid his and rivals' determination to push their limits, unimaginable horrors would unfold. Within seconds of getting under way, Richardson may have tweaked the throttle just a fraction too heavily at the first turn, losing the rear end and high-siding. He was then hit by Owen Jenner's bike, who was running two places behind and completely unsighted. Both riders would die and a 'chain reaction' crash involving nine more bikes left at least one rider with potentially life-changing injuries. For Richardson's partner Hannah James, those horrors will have been compounded by the devastation of history repeating itself. By cruel fate, the mother of Richardson's two children had already been left grieving by the sport nine years ago. Billy Redmayne, James's previous partner, crashed fatally at Oliver's Mount Spring Cup, a road race in Scarborough in North Yorkshire. 'Everyone knows the risks – they just love it that much' During these times, a community of wives and partners who have lost riders stick together. Among those to send messages of support to James on Tuesday was Leanne Harper. James had been there for her, Harper explains, when she had lost her own partner Dan Kneen in the Isle of Man TT in 2018. 'It's just unthinkable that this has happened again for her,' Harper says. Harper and others explain how it speaks volumes about the sport's ultra-resilient community that James rebuilt her life over the past nine years with another rider in Richardson. Nobody could have forecast such widespread devastation on Monday, however. While road racing – particularly the Isle of Man TT – is notoriously deadly, only three prior fatalities had been recorded at British Superbikes events since 1988. Investigations into the circumstances of Monday's crash, described by organisers as 'catastrophic', have been launched with police. But Harper, who set up the Dan Kneen Charitable Fund to help others facing trauma in the sport, said those who lost loved ones 'don't hate the sport'. 'It happened with Hannah and Billy, but she still found love again inside the paddock so it shows that we don't hate the sport – we've got that passion for it and they are doing what they love to do,' Harper adds. 'Everyone knows the risks at the end of the day. They just love it that much. As a family member or a partner, you want them to succeed just as much as they want to succeed. It's not that we hate the sport, it's just sometimes it can end really tragically, which is the downside.' As James posted a poignant photograph of herself with Richardson and their two children on social media on Tuesday, the sport was shocked by the scale of the carnage the day before. With bikes capable of 200mph, falls and injuries are frequent but the 'chain reaction incident' described by MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) was extremely rare. One of the race competitors Jaimie van Sikkelerus called it a 'black day for motorsport with terrible losses' but, privately, senior figures in the sport underlined that safety provisions are already as 'robust as possible'. While Briton Jenner, 21, of Rapid Honda, and New Zealander Richardson, 29, died before reaching hospital, Tom Tunstall, 47, remains in Royal Stoke University Hospital with a broken neck. An update from MSVR on Tuesday confirmed the Ducati rider 'sustained a broken bone in his neck and is currently under the care of a team of specialists' in a serious but stable condition. A 'slow but hopefully full recovery is expected,' MSVR added. A further five riders – Carl Harris, Max Morgan, Cameron Hall, Freddie Barnes and Morgan McLaren-Wood – were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries, which did not require transfer to hospital. Three further riders – Lewis Jones, Corey Tinker and George Edwards – were also involved but were uninjured. 'This guy became one of my closest friends' McLaren-Wood later posted: 'Struggling to find the words for what happened. Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.' Another rider, Superbike frontrunner Rory Skinner, wrote: 'Gutted is an understatement. The sport can be too cruel at times. Thoughts and condolences to everyone and their families involved in today's incident.' Close friends of both Richardson and Jenner also paid tribute to the pair. The British Supersport rider Cameron Dawson posted about Jenner: 'I don't know where to start with this,' he wrote. 'I'm speechless. Today I lost a brother, our journey started off when I was going through a rough patch and this guy came into my life and became one of my closest friends I've ever had.' Motorcycling New Zealand president Michael McLeod added of Richardson that the sport had lost a 'mentor to a lot of young up-and-coming riders that are now competing in Europe and England as well'. 'He had found his comfort zone' in British Supersport, McLeod said. 'He was very good at his craft.' Adrian Cox, general manager of Whites Powersport, which sponsored the Kiwi rider, joined figures in the sport in urging the public to accept that dangers are an inevitability. 'It's a dangerous sport, but there are a lot of safety elements within the sport, so you don't hear of too many people dying,' he pointed out to the New Zealand Herald. 'So when it does happen, it's still super tragic, and super painful because it doesn't happen every day – it doesn't happen every year.' The risk involved in high-speed racing on two wheels clearly plays some part in the enduring appeal of British Superbikes in otherwise safety-conscious times. TNT Sports was broadcasting the event live and it is also regularly shown across Europe, Asia and North America. The sport has to move on, and there are no indications that the deaths will lead to a cancellation of any other races in the British Superbikes series. Tickets remain on sale for the next event at Donington Park in 10 days' time. As with regular tragedies on the Isle of Man, Harper, who still works at TT events, said there will be acceptance in the sport that 'accidents happen at the end of the day'. 'It's very, very tragic on this occasion obviously, but it's the risk we take,' she added. 'They [the riders] do enjoy living on the edge. It's the adrenalin rush and they just love it. It's very sad, but they know the risks, and so do we.'
The Independent
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Partner of death crash motorcyclist had lost previous boyfriend to race accident
The partner of one of the two motorcyclists killed in a race suffered the death of a previous partner in the sport. Former 'grid girl' Hannah James was the partner of Shane Richardson, 29, who died along with Owen Jenner, 21, as 11 riders fell at the first corner at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire on Monday. Ms James spoke of losing a previous boyfriend, Billy Redmayne, 24, who was killed in a crash at the Oliver's Mount Spring Cup in North Yorkshire in 2016. In April 2020, Ms James, posted a tribute online to Mr Redmayne, a former paratrooper, who she met two years before his death. Ms James, a social worker and former grid girl and promotional model, updated her Facebook profile photo on Tuesday, showing a photo of Mr Richardson and their two young children. Tributes have poured in for both men since the devastating crash. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, also suffered 'significant injuries'. They were taking part in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship organised by MotorSport Vision Racing, which abandoned the race as medical services deployed to help the injured. Mr Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment but died from a 'catastrophic head injury', the organisers said. Mr Richardson, who friends said has a young family and who described himself online as 'just a joiner from New Zealand chasing my dreams and racing', was taken to the medical centre with 'severe chest injuries' but died while he was being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital, they added. Mr Tunstall was treated on the track and then taken to the medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with 'significant back and abdominal injuries'. Five other riders were treated in the medical centre with minor injuries, but did not need hospital treatment. Personal tributes were paid online to the family of Mr Richardson, his partner and children, and Mr Jenner, from friends and from the wider world of motorsport. Kate Buchanan, writing on Facebook said: 'This sport can be so damn cruel. 'Our racing family is devastated to lose one of our best and my heart breaks for you Hannah James, Maddie and Max. 'Shane's legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him. Ride on forever Shane.' Steve Wilf Moore, writing online, said: 'Our best day of racing has turned to the worst imaginable. 'If you ever spent any time with Owen Jenner then you will feel the same terrible loss we do. 'RIP Shane M Richardson, such a gentleman you could barely think he was such a racer. I'm so sorry Hannah James. Get well soon Tom Tunstall. Truly awful day for everyone.' Will Juggins, paying tribute to Mr Richardson, said: 'Saddened to hear the news today. Condolences to your family your parents raised a true gentleman, you have done New Zealand motor sport proud and will be remembered in history. 'It was a pleasure to share the track with you some of my best racing memories were junior motards at go kart tracks and car parks in adult sized leathers. Rest in Peace.'. New Zealand motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan said Mr Richardson was one of the 'best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it'. Australian rider Ben Currie said the loss was 'hard to put into words'. The Supersport Championship is a support class to the main British Superbike series. Mr Jenner became the 2024 British GP2 champion and was signed to Rapid Honda. Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service Cheshire Police said they are investigating the fatal crash along with the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Partner of death crash cyclist had lost previous boyfriend to race accident
The partner of one of the two motorcyclists killed in a race suffered the death of a previous partner in the sport. Former 'grid girl' Hannah James was the partner of Shane Richardson, 29, who died along with Owen Jenner, 21, as 11 riders fell at the first corner at Oulton Park race track in Cheshire on Monday. Ms James spoke of losing a previous boyfriend, Billy Redmayne, 24, who was killed in a crash at the Oliver's Mount Spring Cup in North Yorkshire in 2016. In April 2020, Ms James, posted a tribute online to Mr Redmayne, a former paratrooper, who she met two years before his death. Ms James, a social worker and former grid girl and promotional model, updated her Facebook profile photo on Tuesday, showing a photo of Mr Richardson and their two young children. ADVERTISEMENT Tributes have poured in for both men since the devastating crash. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, also suffered 'significant injuries'. They were taking part in the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship organised by MotorSport Vision Racing, which abandoned the race as medical services deployed to help the injured. Mr Jenner, from Crowborough, East Sussex, was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment but died from a 'catastrophic head injury', the organisers said. Mr Richardson, who friends said has a young family and who described himself online as 'just a joiner from New Zealand chasing my dreams and racing', was taken to the medical centre with 'severe chest injuries' but died while he was being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital, they added. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Tunstall was treated on the track and then taken to the medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with 'significant back and abdominal injuries'. Five other riders were treated in the medical centre with minor injuries, but did not need hospital treatment. MSVR statement: Quattro Group British Supersport Championship Race, Oulton Park The full statement is available here: — Bennetts British Superbike Championship (@OfficialBSB) May 5, 2025 Personal tributes were paid online to the family of Mr Richardson, his partner and children, and Mr Jenner, from friends and from the wider world of motorsport. Kate Buchanan, writing on Facebook said: 'This sport can be so damn cruel. ADVERTISEMENT 'Our racing family is devastated to lose one of our best and my heart breaks for you Hannah James, Maddie and Max. 'Shane's legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him. Ride on forever Shane.' Steve Wilf Moore, writing online, said: 'Our best day of racing has turned to the worst imaginable. 'If you ever spent any time with Owen Jenner then you will feel the same terrible loss we do. 'RIP Shane M Richardson, such a gentleman you could barely think he was such a racer. I'm so sorry Hannah James. Get well soon Tom Tunstall. Truly awful day for everyone.' Will Juggins, paying tribute to Mr Richardson, said: 'Saddened to hear the news today. Condolences to your family your parents raised a true gentleman, you have done New Zealand motor sport proud and will be remembered in history. ADVERTISEMENT 'It was a pleasure to share the track with you some of my best racing memories were junior motards at go kart tracks and car parks in adult sized leathers. Rest in Peace.'. New Zealand motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan said Mr Richardson was one of the 'best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it'. Australian rider Ben Currie said the loss was 'hard to put into words'. The Supersport Championship is a support class to the main British Superbike series. Mr Jenner became the 2024 British GP2 champion and was signed to Rapid Honda. Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR Hippo Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service Cheshire Police said they are investigating the fatal crash along with the Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing.
Metro
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
Girlfriend of British Superbikes rider also lost previous boyfriend in crash
The girlfriend of a superbike rider who was killed in an 11-bike 'chain reaction' crash also lost a previous partner in a motorcycle crash, it has emerged. Shane Richardson, 29, and Owen Jenner, 21, died in the collision at the first corner of the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on Monday afternoon. The crash was captured live on television, showing one rider losing control and then skidding across the tarmac and into the path of other racers, causing them to pile into each other. Rider number 28, Mr Richardson, was taken to the medical centre with 'severe chest injuries' and later died while he was being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital. He leaves behind two children and his partner Hannah James. Following the tragedy, Ms James updated her profile photo to a picture of the couple and their children smiling at the camera. It has now emerged this is the second time she has lost a partner during a motorbike race. Her former boyfriend Billy Redmayne was killed in a crash at the Oliver's Mount Spring Cup in North Yorkshire in 2016, MailOnline reports. Paying tribute, Kate Buchanan said: 'Our racing family is devastated to lose on of our best and my heart breaks for Hannah James, Maddie and Max. 'Shane's legacy lives on in each of you and all those who knew and loved him.' Monday's tragic crash was shown on live TV, but the event was subsequently cancelled as medical personnel rushed to the scene. Mr Jenner was taken to the circuit medical centre and given further resuscitation treatment but died from a 'catastrophic head injury', the organisers said. A third rider, Tom Tunstall, 47, was taken to the medical centre before being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital with 'significant back and abdominal injuries'. The organisers said another five riders were treated in the medical centre with minor injuries, but did not need to be transferred to hospital. Superbikes are highly-modified vehicles and BSB said they are 'both quick and powerful' – with engines going up to 200bhp (brake horsepower). New Zealand superbike racer Mr Richardson was in the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team sponsored by Hippo waste removal service. Hippo announced it had renewed its partnership with Mr Richardson in April this year and published a statement from the rider who they said had transitioned from 'crafting bespoke kitchens to competing on the UK's premier racing circuits'. Describing his 2024 season, Mr Richardson said: 'We had some good moments along the way, but also our fair share of struggles… but I'm proud of how the Astro JJR HIPPO Suzuki team and I worked throughout the season to make the most of every moment.' New Zealand Hutt City councillor Brady Dyer said on Facebook his thoughts were with Mr Richardson's friends and family. 'Shane was proud to be from Wainuiomata and was admired both locally and abroad for his skill and passion,' he said. 'This is a heartbreaking loss, and I know many in our community will be feeling it deeply.' New Zealand motorcyclist Cormac Buchanan said Mr Richardson was one of the 'best people I ever had the privilege of sharing the track with, not only a super talented rider but a down-to-earth person away from it'. More Trending Whites Powersports, a sponsor of Mr Richardson, said in an Instagram post their team had been 'extremely saddened' by the news of his death. 'Shane will be remembered by many as a great racer, person, and father,' they said. 'Our thoughts go out to Shane's young family and friends during this tough time.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Codemasters in danger as EA 'pausing' WRC and all future rally games
