A marshal killed after a automotive spun off the Manufacturers Hatch observe and hit him has been named as a former mayor and serving councillor.
Robert Foote, in his 60s, was working as a volunteer marshal on Saturday when a automotive spun off the well-known observe in Kent and hit him.
The serving Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillor died from critical accidents sustained within the crash shortly earlier than 3pm.
One other particular person on foot and the driving force of the automotive have been taken to hospital for therapy.
Lewis Hamilton mentioned he was ‘devastated’ following the loss of life, whereas mates of Mr Foote took to social media to pay tribute.
Mr Foote, referred to as Rob to family and friends, represented the Cuddington ward in Surrey since 2003 and served as Mayor in 2014-15.
Robert Foote, in his 60s, represented the Cuddington ward in Surrey since 2003 and served as Mayor in 2014-15
Robert Foote along with his spouse Rosemary, who is known to have died of most cancers in December aged 70
He was additionally a extremely expert engineer within the plane business whereas additionally working domestically as a motorized vehicle technician.
Pal Steve Whiteway posted on Fb: ‘Robert Foote RIP.
‘It’s with deep sorrow I inform you that our pal Rob Foote, has been killed at Manufacturers Hatch, while serving as a volunteer marshal on the well-known motor racing circuit.
‘The crash yesterday (Saturday July 31) at 3pm occurred after a automotive spun off the observe throughout a British Car Racing Membership (BARC) Automotive Championship occasion. Regardless of the very best efforts of the medics, Rob died of his accidents.’
Mr Foote was additionally a ‘extremely valued’ half time driver at Epsom Coaches.
Whereas he was Mayor, he and spouse Rosemary launched the Epsom Buses Silver Service bringing provincial hyperlinks to the city centre.
It’s understood Mrs Foote died of most cancers in December aged 70.
Mr Whiteway added in his submit to the Epsom Coaches Fb group: ‘Rob’s skills and kindness unfold very large and it was typical of him to be giving his time so freely to motor sport.
‘Coming so quickly after the unhappy lack of Rosemary to most cancers, our ideas and prayers are along with his household and large circle of mates at this tough time.’
Formulation 1 champion Mr Hamilton mentioned he was ‘devastated’ by the tragedy at Manufacturers Hatch – a house circuit near his coronary heart – and paid tribute to the ‘heroes’ in orange jumpsuits who make racing doable.
The British Mercedes driver wrote in an Instagram submit: ‘Devastated to listen to of the passing of a marshal on the Manufacturers Hatch Circuit.
The serving Epsom and Ewell Borough Councillor died from critical accidents sustained within the crash shortly earlier than 3pm at Manufacturers Hatch
The volunteer marshal died after being hit by an uncontrolled automotive after it spun off the observe throughout a race at Manufacturers Hatch circuit in Kent. Pictured: Air ambulance on the scene
The tragic incident occurred throughout an occasion on the racing observe on Saturday afternoon
‘These volunteer marshals are what makes racing doable, they’re heroes. My coronary heart is along with his household.’
Greater than £13,000 has been raised to assist Mr Foote’s household and mates.
Alice Powell, who created the GoFundMe web page, wrote in its description: ‘Marshals play an enormous function in Motorsport. With out them, Motorsport can’t occur. Marshals are a significant a part of the Motorsport household.
‘Sadly, on Saturday the thirty first July, there was an incident at Manufacturers Hatch the place a marshal sadly handed away.
‘This web page is to boost cash for the household and mates affected by this incident. Our ideas and prayers exit to them.’
Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance confirmed they have been referred to as to the crash on the iconic former Grand Prix race observe close to West Kingsdown in Kent – with their helicopter seen touchdown on the asphalt.
BARC, who cancelled the remainder of the day’s racing earlier than the occasion resumed on Sunday, confirmed it was working with Motorsport UK and Kent to research the incident.
A spokesman mentioned: ‘On behalf of everybody related with the BARC, we’re devastated by lack of one of many superb volunteer marshal group who achieve this a lot to allow the game to happen.
‘Our ideas and greatest needs are with the household and mates of all these concerned.’
Kent Police discovered no suspicious circumstances and are working with motorsport authorities to compile a report for the coroner.
A police spokesman mentioned: ‘Kent Police was referred to as at round 2.55pm on Saturday 31 July 2021 to a report of a collision involving a automotive and two individuals on foot at Manufacturers Hatch.
‘A person in his 60s, from the Surrey space, was declared deceased on the scene.. The second particular person on foot, and the driving force of the automotive, have been additionally taken to an area hospital for therapy.
‘No suspicious circumstances have been recognized and officers are working with motorsport authorities to compile a report for the coroner.’
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