Tragedy as Sultan navy rating dies in bike race crash
A ROYAL Navy rating serving at HMS Sultan has died in a motorcycle crash during a race on the Isle of Man.
Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician Jamie Adam, 28, was racing in this year's Junior Manx Grand Prix when he crashed on the second lap.
Paramedics battled to save PO(AET) Adam but he died at the scene.
The collision also claimed the life of Chris Bradshaw, 39, a police officer from Staffordshire, who died in hospital.
PO(AET) Adam, who has completed several tours in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Commando Helicopter Force on 846 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton, joined HMS Sultan in March, where he worked on the Sea King Commando aircraft.
A statement issued by HMS Sultan's commanding officer, Commodore Mark Slawson, said: 'Jamie had just completed his Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician qualifying course at the Royal Naval Air Engineering & Survival Equipment School at HMS Sultan.
'A professional and committed individual, he had made a real success of his course and was shortly due to join 771 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall.
'Popular and well-known, his passion for motorcycling was always evident and he was an enthusiastic member of the Royal Navy Motorcycle Club, for whom he often raced. His tragic loss, coming so unexpectedly whilst doing the sport he loved, is felt deeply both within HMS Sultan and throughout the wider Fleet Air Arm.'
PO(AET) Adam, originally from Scotland, joined the Royal Navy in November 1998. His passion for motorcycle racing came from his grandfather, Jack Adam, who was a successful rider in the Isle of Man TT and among an elite club of riders to average more than 100mph on the circuit.
PO(AET) Adam joined the RN Motor Cycle Club in 2001 and took over as secretary in January 2006 - playing a pivotal role in raising thousands of pounds for charity.
He first competed on the Isle of Man in 2009, finishing ninth in the Newcomers race and 27th in the Senior MGP.
Police are investigating the fatal crash, which happened on Wednesday morning at 11am.
A joint statement issued by Isle of Man Constabulary and the Manx Motorcycle Club said: 'We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of both men.'
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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