A TEENAGE motocross rider has been killed in a freak crash during a race.
George Edwards, 17, was competing at the Mildenhall MX track, in Suffolk, when he came off his bike.
Air ambulance medics rushed to the scene but they were unable to save him and the young competitor was later pronounced dead.
Tributes to George, from Basildon, Essex, were led by his devastated father, Russell Edwards.
Posting on Facebook, Mr Edwards told friends: “This post comes with such sadness and heartbreak.
“I can’t believe I’m even having to write this…but I lost my son George today at Mildenhall track.
“No words can explain what I’m going through at the moment! I’m absolutely broken.
“George was doing what he loved best, motocross riding, but sadly today that took his life.”
Mr Edwards added: “Life just won’t be the same without you son.
“To everyone reading this I appreciate your condolences but if I could just have some space/time to come to terms with such a massive loss.”
Keen angler George had come second in the last race he completed before he was killed.
Police are treating the smash on Sunday as a tragic accident. It has been passed to the local council to investigate.
Close pal Bill Cox led tributes to the young rider, posting online he would “hold onto” him “for the rest of his life.”
He posted: “George you was a brother to me the times we had were never dull.
“There was always happy laughter and brother I will never forget those times.
“We have hundreds of photos and videos together, some make me p*** myself and some make me ball my eyes out.
“But I’m happy to have those with me. This is not a goodbye this is a see you later. Love you kid.”
Hundreds of pals gathered at Luncies Park in Basildon to release balloons and fireworks in memory of George, who was due to turn 18 next month.
In a statement posted online Mildenhall MX confirmed the death, citing it as the third in living memory – and the second in three years.
Organisers wrote: “It is with a heavy heart I feel I need to post on our Facebook page as no doubt people talk and word gets round quickly.
“Today we had a fatality. We feel absolutely devastated as this kind of incident is very rare at Mildenhall Moto cross track .
“Stuart Nunn encountered one back in the day (the first day he opened) and I had a fatality in April 2021.
“For a track who plays host to thousands of riders every year we are one of the safest tracks in the country operating four days a week.
“We have already been seen by the authority’s that we are as safe as possibly can be.
“It does not make it any easier and this accident was something we could not prevent.”
The race boss said he “worked hard” with medics to try and save George – but were unable to stop him slipping away.
The post continued: “It is something that we know can happen and hope it never does.
“As you can imagine we are all deeply affected by this and my team stepped up.
“I will be dealing with all the formalities which are necessary but tough.
“I never have tried as I did so to avoid a post like this and would appreciate people not ringing with questions.”
The track closed as a mark of respect for two days.
Sadie King from George’s motocross club, said: “Our thoughts are with the family & friends of George, who sadly lost his life at Mildenhall last weekend.
“George rode with SMX many times & recently came 2nd overall in the Tony Ford 2stroke Challenge. Rest in peace young man.”
Mid Sussex Motocross Club said: “As a club we would like say how saddened we was to hear the awful news of the tragic accident that happened at Mildenhall Mx yesterday.
“We would like to send out our most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the rider that sadly lost his life.
“Our thoughts are with you all and the people that was there that offered their help and assistance at such an awful time.
“We are all more than aware of the risks involved in our great sport but pray that these incidents don’t ever happen. Ride in peace George.”
The Kickstart MX track, near George’s home, said: “Can’t believe this has happened today.
“It is with great sadness to hear that one of the lads, George Edwards, a member at our track lost his life at Mildenhall Mx today.
“He was a great lad always helping us at our track with his dad Russell Edwards.
“He will be greatly missed by us all at our club our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family at such a hard time.”
East Anglia Air Ambulance and Suffolk Police both confirmed they attended the scene.
A spokesman for Mildenhall Motocross declined to comment.
