[Nick Flint Posts: 5067 Status: Offline]

I have just been sent this----
GNF








Daniel Newton. 1980 ~ 2022
It is with great sadness I write the following to you.
As you will know by now our friend, and racing colleague Daniel Newton, sadly lost his life following a racing incident at our World Championships in Sweden. Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic and sad time.
It will be of some consolation to know that Daniel did not suffer in anyway. From an informal and provisional medical report, he was unconscious and pain free from the moment of the incident and passed away very shortly afterwards.
Daniel’s immediate family have returned to Sweden so they could see him and collect some of his personal possessions and are now making arrangements for his repatriation to the UK. This will hopefully be within the week. After this the UK coroner must be informed and formalities be completed before Daniel’s family can arrange his funeral.
Daniel was dearly loved and cared for by many communities - at work, his extensive group of friends, hover clubs around the world but first and foremost by his family. Daniel’s family have decided that his funeral will be a private family occasion. However, they ask and encourage everyone who knew him to celebrate and commemorate his life in their own way.
A collection was made for Daniel, and his two children, at prize giving immediately following our Championships. The total collected, in various currencies, amounted to 35.154,79 SEK, a little under £3,000. To give the opportunity for anyone who wishes to show their respects and to donate an official ‘go fund me page’ is now open at https://gofund.me/c79e744a All donations will be passed to Daniel’s family to help with his repatriation and any surplus will be held by the family for his children in the future. I am so grateful to the Swedish Hoverclub for facilitating all of this.
As you would expect the WHF will be investigating this fatal accident together with the way we responded to it. This may take some while as we will, in part, be dependant on the Police report and accident investigation which may take some time to obtain, but rest assured we will keep you informed.
To return to where I started, this was a tragic event and our and my condolence go to Daniel’s family and friends.

Tony M Drake, JP. President of the World Hovercraft Federation.

[Ian Brooks Posts: 3598 Status: Offline]

This is indeed tragic news and everyone will be saddened to hear it. Dan was a huge figure in the racing community and will be greatly missed.

The committee will pass on our thoughts and offer condolences to the HCGB from the Club as a whole and of course members may also on their  personal condolences.

Ian

[Gaz Posts: 2387 Status: Offline Cruising around Cornwall WWW]

Very sad news indeed.
My condolences to Daniel's family & friends.

[Nick Flint Posts: 5067 Status: Offline]

The National Organisation
for Light Hovercraft

council@hovercraft.org.uk[
It is with the greatest of regret that we have to inform you of some devastating news from the World Championships in Sweden.
During the Formula 1 racing series, heat two, a racing incident between two craft occurred and as a result Daniel Newton, number 21, was seriously injured and, tragically, has lost his life.
All marshals and paramedics on the scene did everything they could to help him, and local ambulance service were in attendance.
Unfortunately all efforts were to no avail.
The family have been informed and we ask their privacy is respected at this time.

Chairman of HCGB and President of the WHF

[Steve Holland Posts: 1646 Status: Offline]

It's never good hearing news like that. Hopefully something can be learned from such a loss.

[Al Posts: 1008 Status: Offline WWW]

I'm sure you will all be saddened to hear about Daniel Newton losing his life at the world hovercraft racing championships.


A very sad day for everyone involved.


My condolences go out to Daniel's family & friends.