Ballymoney motorcyclist William Dunlop has been killed in a crash at the Skerries 100 road races in County Dublin earlier today (Saturday).
Dunlop who’s 32, was taking part in an Open practice session when he crashed around 5pm.
William’s father Robert died in an accident at the North West 200 in 2008, while his uncle Joey was killed in a crash in 2000.
William won previously at the North West 200 and the Ulster GP.
It’s understood William was riding his Temple Golf Club-backed R1 Yamaha when he came off at Sam’s Tunnel on the third lap.
A statement on behalf of the Skerries 100 organisers reads: The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club, organisers of the Skerries 100, deeply regrets to announce that competitor William Dunlop of Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, has passed away following injuries received in a tragic accident that occurred during practise which took place today 7th July 2018.
The Loughshinny Motorcycle Supporters Club extends their heartfelt sympathy to William Dunlop’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time.
Tributes have started to our in following the devastating news. His brother Michael is competing at the event.
The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, wrote of members’ devastation.
The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club are beyond devastated to learn of the death of our club member and local road racing legend William Dunlop, after he was involved in an incident in today’s practice sessions at the Skerries 100.
Our deepest sympathies go to his partner Janine and daughter Ella, mother Linda, brother Michael and Daniel, Granny May, the Dunlop family, William’s friends, team and wider circle.
Such a lovely fella on and off the bike. He will be missed soo much by us all.
DUP leader Arlene Foster writes: 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.
North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said the latest tragedy to affect the Dunlop family would also hit the wider community hard.
William Dunlop was a legend in his own right, on and off the road. He was a household name. Everyone in Northern Ireland will be saddened by this news. However, the sadness will be particularly felt in his home town of Ballymoney.
The Dunlop family are well known and greatly respected in our town and further afield, we feel the great loss and sadness at this news.
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) July 7, 2018
I can’t quite believe the devastating news about William Dunlop who lost his life at the Skerries. He was one of the nicest, most genuine people you could ever meet. My thoughts are with the Dunlop family. pic.twitter.com/HkMShClKg2
— Stephen Watson (@winkerwatson1) July 7, 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) July 7, 2018
Devastated to hear the tragic news about William Dunlop. A legend both on the road and off it. My thoughts are with the Dunlop family
— stuart dallas (@dallas_stuart) July 7, 2018
Northern Ireland's William Dunlop has been killed in an accident at the Skerries 100 road races in Dublin. His father Robert was killed at the North West 200 in 2008 and his uncle Joey in a crash in Estonia in 2000. pic.twitter.com/iGKNj3qGrQ
— David Blevins (@skydavidblevins) July 7, 2018
Just heard the very sad news about William Dunlop, can’t believe it ? #RIPridefree pic.twitter.com/vz3WiRbB25
— Beckers ? (@beckers1000) July 7, 2018
