TRIBUTES have this week been paid following the tragic death of motocross enthusiast and former Tavistock College student Si Higgins.

Si died following a freak accident on Friday evening last week, while he was carrying out preparatory work on the motocross circuit at Whiteway Barton, Kingsteignton.

A spokesman for the Auto Cycle Union, of which Si's father Brian Higgins is chairman, said members were 'deeply shocked' to learn of Si's death.

He said: 'Our condolences go to Brian Higgins and his family during this very sad time. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, especially his wife Emma.'

The Higgins family have posted the following tribute to Si on the ACU website: 'Husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, racer and organiser, whatever he did he always gave 110%, he prided himself on being the best he could at everything he did and always did it with that cheeky grin of his.

'Loved and respected by so many people even he would be amazed.

'He made a massive impact on the motocross world and everyone who met him — he will be sorely missed by them all.

'As well as loving his family and his job he had a massive love of motorbikes. He was a great rider when growing up and then turned to being a great organiser in recent years.

'Along with his good friend Rob, together they ran Premier MX and the Phoenix Tools Championship, it was their baby and 2013 was shaping up to be their best year yet.

'Si loved every part of it and enjoyed every hour he put into it. He would thank you all for supporting it this season so please keep it up. He died whilst doing what he loved, preparing the track for us to race that weekend. Luckily Rob was with him at the time. He was airlifted to hospital but died shortly after arrival.'

Si was initially involved in motocross with Torridge and District Motorcycle Club — his father, Brian, is still a director.

The club's Mark Osborne said: 'This has been a massive shock to everyone in the South West who is involved with the sport. I was only talking to Si a few days before it happened — it's been a real hit, he was so well known not only here but nationally.'