THE DEVASTATED girlfriend of a British 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.
7
7
7
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.
It has now been revealed that 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.
7
7
7
“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!”
Tributes pour in for Shane and Owen
Racegoer Scott Moore, who witnessed the tragic crash, described how an “eerie and unsettling” silence fell over the circuit.
He posted on Facebook: “Today was an incredibly sad day for BSB Supersport.
“The silence that fell over the circuit was eerie and unsettling, a stark reminder of how quickly things can change.
“It’s hard to think how someone can wake up excited to race and not make it to the end of the day.
“It’s just heartbreaking, and my thoughts are with all the families affected by this horrific event.”
Rider Ben Currie said the loss was “hard to put into words”, adding: “Gutted for everyone involved.
“Two of our finest men lost to the sport we love.”
Racer Cormac Buchanan posted an emotional tribute to countryman Shane on Instagram.
He said: “Shane was truly 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.
“You never failed to put a smile on all of our faces. You were someone I could look up too and learn from and I am so lucky to have had your guidance in my first year in Europe in the UK.
“I cherish all of the track walks with you and Damo, the hard battles we had, bumping bars and swapping paint.
“I’m grateful to have been able to consider you a competitor, rival, and a friend.
“I always felt your support no matter what the situation, race, or outcome was.
“To Hannah, Max, and Maddie I send you all of my love, support, and condolences.
“I am always riding with you, thank you for everything Shane.”
Fellow driver Glenn Irwin also shared a touching tribute to both drivers, following their tragic deaths.
Writing on social media, he said: “Owen you were always smiling, just a young kid chasing your dream and having fun along the way.
“Shane, I didn’t know you personally but watching videos and photos of you and your little family I can see how much of an amazing dad and partner that you are along with being a top rider.
“Rest in peace boys – life can be so so cruel. We will continue to offer support to your families in the coming times ahead, my thoughts go to the entire BSB team of organisers, Marshals, medics and the wider community.”
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.”
‘CATASTROPHIC CHAIN REACTION’
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.”
7