Former under-21 champion and British speedway rider Lee Richardson was killed in Poland on Sunday when he was involved in a violent crash.
The 33-year-old was competing in the PGE Marma Rzeszow when he lost control of his bike and crashed head-on into a safety fence.
Richardson was rushed to a nearby hospital in Wroclaw but died from injuries he sustained during the accident.
Following the racers tragic death the Sky Sports Elite League club released the following statement:
“All at the club are devastated at the loss of a great captain, man and more than anything else a wonderful father and husband.”
The statement then continued:
“Our thoughts are with his family at this most sad of times and we know that all Hammers fans will share our total devastation at this tragic news.”
Adding a statement of his own Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook said:
“I am numb and just can’t take this in. Lee’s loss to his family is beyond imagination and I can’t see further than that at the moment.”
Following the race Ricahrdson’s fellow riders took to Facebook and Twitter to offer their condolences to the entire Richardson family, his friends and his fan base. In one tweet British international Lewis Bridger wrote:
“RIP Rico. Top, top bloke in the sport; I looked up to you so much man. I’m in tears right now. I really don’t want to believe this.”
Our condolences also go out to the entire Lee Richardson family during their time of loss.
