GB News presenters Nana Akua and Mark White thought they were getting a high octane update from the Isle of Man TT, but instead had the programming interrupted for a tragic breaking news update. Crossing live to reporter Dougie Beattie from the Isle of Man, the presenters were told the famous racing event had got off to a “sad start” after a series of horrific crashes.
Reporter Dougie Beattie reflected on the dangerous sport (Image: GB News)
The 33-year-old rider from Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire was competing on the opening lap of the third qualifying session on Wednesday evening.
Organisers paid tribute to the rider in an emotional statement, describing him as a “popular and well-respected member of the road racing community”.
They added: “Daniel’s passion for the sport was evident to all that knew him.” The statement also extended condolences to his wife Helayna and children Joey and Phoebe.
A separate incident earlier in the week left eight spectators injured after a solo rider crashed into barriers during a practice session in Ramsey. A two-year-old girl was among those airlifted to hospital.
Meanwhile, sidecar races for the remainder of the 2026 event have now been suspended following a horror crash involving brothers Ryan Crowe and Callum Crowe.
The TT Races is regarded as the “most dangerous” event in motorsport (Image: Getty)
The pair were among the favourites for this year’s competition before their sidecar flipped during windy conditions on the mountain circuit.
Their father later confirmed both suffered fractures and head injuries but were not believed to be in life-threatening danger.
Officials said the decision to suspend all sidecar events had been taken following an “immediate technical and operational review” in the interests of competitor and spectator safety.
The Isle of Man TT remains one of the world’s most dangerous motorsport events, with Daniel Ingham becoming the 271st competitor to lose their life on the course.
