Isle of Man TT: Dan Kneen “Died doing what he loved”

The inquest into the tragic death of, Manx racer, Dan Kneen has reported its findings to the Douglas Courthouse.

The court was told that Kneen, riding for TAS Racing’s Tyco BMW team: “died instantly in the crash near Churchtown on the TT course, as his motorcycle hit a tree and burst into flames after a wheel broke away”.

Kneen was pronounced dead at the scene, and it was confirmed that the 30-year old from Onchan had been “killed instantly”.

Coroner John Needham recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.

The inquest heard high pressure had been applied to the bike’s front wheel, causing it to break away, but it “could not be determined what caused the surge in pressure”.

Mr Needham added it was “not entirely conclusive why the front wheel of Dan’s bike broke away.”

Witnesses who cooperated with the inquiry had all stated that Kneen was “off from the racing line”.

Dean Harrison, TT race winner, was following Kneen on the circuit when the accident happened. Speaking to the inquiry, Harrison said he believed “the crash had occurred at between 180mph and 190mph” He went on to say that he saw the bike “slide away from under” his fellow racer.

The court was told he was pushing his machine “close to its physical limits”, but the motorcycle showed “no sign of technical problems” prior to the incident.

Mr Needham said the 30-year-old was a “very experienced and talented road racer, and was at the top of his sport”.

Drawing the inquiry to a close, Mr Needham thanked all those who had tried to save Kneen’s life before concluding that the rider had “died instantly, and engaged in what he loved to do”.