Shropshire fireman 'died fulfilling Isle of Man TT dream'

A Shropshire firefighter died while fulfilling a dream to ride the Isle of Man TT course, an inquest heard.

Mat Evans, 29, of The Grove, Minsterley, near Shrewsbury, died instantly after he took a bend too fast and came off his Honda Fireblade during the fatal accident at the island's Mountain Box on June 4, an inquest held yesterday was told. The inquest held on the Isle of Man, heard Mr Evans then struck a temporary sign put up to warn bikers that the road was one-way for the TT fortnight.

Coroner Alastair Montgomerie, recording a verdict of accidental death, paid tribute to a man who did a dangerous job of real worth to the community. He was also the father of 11-year-old daughter, Mollie.

The inquest heard that Mr Evans, known to his friends as "Evo", had been wearing a helmet but this had been forcibly removed in the crash, leaving his head unprotected.

An accident investigation conducted by Constable Richard Kennish, of the roads policing unit on the Isle of Man, concluded that Mr Evans had not taken the racing line and was taking the bend at Mountain Box too fast. He calculated the speed would have been about 89mph.

The coroner expressed his deepest sympathies to Mr Evans's family.

Following the inquest Mr Evans's father Derek said he was satisfied with the verdict adding: "We are struggling with our loss.

"He fulfilled a dream or riding his bike on the TT course."