A MOTORCYCLE racer from Co. Antrim has died at the Skerries 100 Road Races in Dublin today.
William Dunlop, 32, crashed while taking part in a practice session for the event.
In a statement, competition oragnisers Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club confirmed Dunlop had passed away from the injuries he recived in the tragic accident.
“The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop’s family and friends,” they said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.”
Dunlop recently revealed he was expecting a second child with his partner Janine.
He revealed he withdrew from this year’s Isle of Man TT races after receiving bad news about the pregnancy.
However after being given the all-clear, he said: “We can enjoy this time and get excited for a new addition."
The death of the Ballymoney native is the latest tragedy to strike the famous Dunlop family.
William's uncle, Joey Dunlop (Image: Getty)William’s father Robert died just over 10 years ago in May 2008 at the age of 42 during a practice session at Co. Derry’s North West 200.
Meanwhile William’s uncle Joey – an icon of the sport who won a record 26 races at the Isle of Man TT meeting – died in 2000 aged 48 during a race in Tallinn, Estonia.
Tributes poured in this evening for William, including from World Superbikes legend Carl Fogarty.
The William Dunlop news is awful. A remarkable family of racers, blighted by tragedy.
— Mark Gallagher (@_markgallagher) 7 July 2018
Life’s pretty shit sometimes.. feel on top of the world one minute. Then brought back down to earth the next with the sad news that William Dunlop has lost his life racing today. Thoughts are with Louise, Michael and family.!!
— FOGGY MBE (@carlfogarty) 7 July 2018
Truly terrible news reaching Ballymoney tonight, from the control room our thoughts go out to the Dunlop family circle and everyone affected by the sad news about William.
Sgt S#psnicmc— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) 7 July 2018
Shocked and saddened by the passing of NI’s talented sporting legend, William Dunlop. Motorcycling was his life and he will be forever remembered for his many achievements, both in Ballymoney and across the world.
— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) 7 July 2018
Very sad news about William Dunlop this evening. Thoughts very much with the Dunlop family..
— Cormac (@CormacGP) 7 July 2018
