An inquest has heard a popular TT competitor died doing what he loved best.

34 year old Derek Brien from County Meath lost his life after crashing at Gorse Lea during the first Supersport race in this year's TT.

Coroner of Inquests John Needham recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

The inquest heard as Mr Brien approached the bend at Gorselea on his second lap, his front wheel seemed to slip out of control. He came off the machine and slid 60 or 70 feet along the road before striking a wall and a tree. His machine also bounced up into the air, hit the tree and exploded.

He died instantly from severe injuries which the coroner said he did not wish to describe in court.


Deputy Sector Marshal at Gorse Lea, Reginald Berry, said it was likely the bike had been travelling at around 170 mph at the time of the accident. The race had been red flagged.

Coroner John Needham said reports showed no apparent defects with Mr Brien's Yamaha machine, though it suffered catastrophic damage in the accident. He said Mr Brien had been an experienced and successful rider and it was impossible to say exactly why he lost control of the machine when he did. He added that there was no doubt he was missed terribly by his family and friends and whilst it was little consolation, he had died doing what he loved best.

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