Tributes are being paid tonight after the death of Dr John Hinds, the Tandragee motorcycle medic, who died after an accident at a practice session at a the Skerries 100 Road Races.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton said he “shocked and saddened” to learn of the death of the Craigavon Area Hospital consultant.
The 35-year-old was involved in an accident while providing medical cover.
Minister Hamilton said: “I had the honour of meeting Dr Hinds recently. His skill was undoubted but what shone through was his passion for his work.
“John was extremely well regarded not just within the medical profession, but right across the motor cycling world, where his loss will be greatly mourned.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”
Dr Hinds provided medical cover at race meetings all over and in May tended to the injured after a freak accident at the North West 100.
The Tandragee man was also an ardent campaigner for an air ambulance for Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said its staff were “stunned” to learn of the death of the ‘flying doctor’.
Posting on Facebook, NIAS said: “Dr Hinds worked with many of our staff making his beloved sport of motorcycling safer for riders and spectators.
“The popular medic will be sorely missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP.”
Dr Hinds also lectured in trauma science.
After yesterday’s accident, he was taken by ambulance to Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital but died today.
Local teenager motorcyclist, Redrock lad Jordan Burrows, commenting in response to Armagh I’s first report of the tragic death, wrote: “Thanks for everything Doctor John that you gave to our sport. RIP.”
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