Jessica Ennis-Hill leads tribute for British Olympian after motorcycle crash

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has expressed her sorrow over the death of Olympic high jump silver medallist Germaine Mason, who died after a motorcycle crash in Jamaica yesterday.

Dame Jessica wrote on Twitter: “This is just awful. Such sad news.”

Mason was reportedly returning from a party in Kingston in the early hours of Thursday morning when he lost control of his Honda CBR600RR and crashed, killing him instantly.

This is just awful. Such sad news. https://t.co/dBECw1WbtF

— Dame Jess Ennis-Hill (@J_Ennis) April 20, 2017

The 34-year-old, who represented Team GB in 2006, was close friends with Usain Bolt, who arrived on the scene after the crash at 04:20 local time. 

Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen said “Usain Bolt was part of the group that came by and he was very, very emotional, and still is.

“Our information suggests [Mason] lost control of the motorcycle and fell to the ground and received serious injuries, mainly to his face, head and upper body,” he said.

“The evidence suggests he was not wearing a protective helmet.” 

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Other athletes to have also paid tribute include Linford Christie and Denise Lewis.

Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Lewis posted on Twitter: “My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to Germaine Mason’s family & friends. A tragic loss of such fun & loving person.” 

My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to Germaine Mason’s family & friends. A tragic loss of such fun & loving person. #ingodshands

— Denise Lewis (@RealDeniseLewis) April 20, 2017

Winner of the 1992 100m Olympic gold medal, Linford Christie wrote on the social media site: “Heart goes out to friends and family of Germaine Mason on this sad day. R I P Germaine. Never forgotten.” 

Jamaican police announced the death soon after the incident:

The bike on which Germaine Mason was riding when he crashed and died along the Palisadoes main road in Kingston – Jermaine Barnaby photo pic.twitter.com/3UthWhAcUl

— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) April 20, 2017

Mason was born in Jamaica, whom he competed for before using his eligibility to compete for Britain thanks to his father, who was born in London.

He went on to win silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics after equalling his personal best of 2.34m.

This is the second major motorcycling incident to occur to a British Olympic athlete this year, with 100m and 4×100 relay sprinter James Ellington having a motorcycle accident that he was lucky to survive just a few months ago. Ellington was also one to express sadness at the news of Masons death, saying: “R.I.P Germaine, life is delicate.” 

R.i.P Germaine, life is delicate pic.twitter.com/HdYuCfAguO

— James Ellington (@Jellington100m) April 20, 2017

Jamaican PM, Andrew Holness, also extended his thoughts by tweeting: “Our sincere condolences to the entire sporting fraternity.”

Motorcycle News wishes to join the wider motorcycling community in sending our deepest condolences to Mason’s family and friends.

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