A 57-YEAR-OLD man has died following a three vehicle road traffic collision between Folly Gate and Hatherleigh.

Nigel Charnock, from Exeter, was fatally injured following the collision at 11.32am on Sunday, July 15.

Mr Charnock and his pillion fell from their Triumph Rocket heading towards Hatherleigh. Mr Charnock was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The pillion, a 60-year-old woman, was airlifted to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries.

A further two motorcycles, a Yamaha and a Harley Davidson, were travelling behind and subsequently became involved in the collision

The female pillion on the Yamaha suffered serious injuries and was also taken to hospital; a female pillion on the third motorcycle suffered more minor injuries and was taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. 

The riders were taking part in the Motorcycle Ride Out, an event which sees hundreds of bikers ride from Trago Mills in Newton Abbot and Evans Transport in Bideford to Teignmouth in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. The event is one of the most high-profile dates on the charity’s calendar and has been well supported by local biker groups.

The road was closed for six hours while a forensic examination of the scene took place. Police are appealing for witnesses to the collision to contact them on 101 quoting log number 0405 15/07/2018. 

Caroline Creer, fundraising and communications director for Devon Air Ambulance, said ‘We were shocked and saddened to learn of the incident today, involving motorcyclists taking part in our annual Motorcycle Ride Out.

‘Our thoughts are with everyone involved.’