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    Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez and how did he die?

    MOTORBIKE racer Raul Torras Martinez was killed in the first Supertwin race of 2023.The race has now claimed the lives of 267 people, including passengers and spectators.
    Raul Torras Martinez is the fastest ever Spaniard to lap the Supertwin TT courseCredit: Facebook
    Who was motorbike racer Raul Torras Martinez?
    Raul Torras Martinez was from Sant Hilari Sacalm in Spain.
    He was an experienced motorsport athlete, having competed in 21 races since his debut in 2017.
    Supertwin Race organisers said: “Raul was an experienced TT competitor who made his debut in 2017, with a best result of 15th in last year’s Supertwin Race.”
    At the Supertwin Race on June 6, 2023, the racer recorded his fastest ever lap of the TT course at an average speed of 125.470mph.
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    Organisers said: “Raul was the fastest Spaniard ever to have lapped the TT course.”
    Mr Martinez had earned a total of 18 bronze replica trophies throughout his appearances at the races.
    When asked what his ambitions in road racing were, Mr Martinez said: “To have fun with the bike, and to be able to fight for a top-20 finish at the TT in a 1000cc class.”
    What happened to Raul Torras Martinez?
    Martinez was competing in the first Supertwin Race of the 2023 Isle of Man TT Races.
    Most read in Motorsport
    The TT takes place over two weeks, bringing motorcycle road racers from all around the world.
    On his final lap of the three-lap race, Martinez had an accident at the Alpine between the 16th and 17th mile markers.
    How did Raul Torras Martinez die?
    He was riding for the Optimark Racing Team when he tragically lost his life.
    Martinez fell off his bike in a horrifying crash on his final lap of the first Supertwin Race.
    His death is the first fatality at the 2023 event.
    The TT races have been running since 1907 and even rank as one of the most dangerous in motorsport.
    TT boss Gary Thompson told Sky News that riders accept the risks of the course and that more is being done to improve the safety of the course.
    He said in May 2023: “We try to manage risk much better than was done in the past.”
    Was Raul Torras Martinez married and did he have any children?
    Not much is known about Martinez’s life outside of his motorsport racing.
    However, the organisers have released a statement sending their condolences to his family and friends.

    They paid tribute to the “experienced TT competitor”, and said: “The Isle of Man TT Races pass on their deepest sympathy to Raul’s family, friends, and loved ones.” More

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    Charlotte Duffy dead aged 37: Model and ex-Crystal Palace cheerleader passes away as she loses brave cancer battle

    CRYSTAL PALACE are mourning the loss of cheerleader Charlotte Duffy, who died at the age of 37 following a brave battle with cancer.Duffy was one of the original Crystals who also made a name for herself as a model.
    Crystal Palace cheerleader Charlotte Duffy died at the age of 37Credit: TWITTER – Crystals_CPFC
    The Crystal Girls confirmed the sad news on social media where they also issued a picture of her in full uniform at Selhurst Park.
    The Crystals stated she was “beautiful inside and out” and will be missed by the entire Palace family.
    The Crystal Girls tweeted: “RIP Charlotte Duffy, one of the original Crystals who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
    “She was beautiful inside and out and will be missed by us all! Sending our love to her family.”
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    The club followed it up with a tweet of their own sending condolences to Duffy’s loved ones.
    Crystal Palace tweeted: “Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Charlotte’s friends, family and loved ones.”
    All sorts of football fans then flooded social media paying tribute to Duffy and reaching out to her family as well as friends.
    One fan posted: “This is so sad my heart and soul go out to Charlotte and her friends and family. Big part of Palace family, far too young RIP Charlotte.”
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    Another commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking and my thoughts are with her family and friends.”
    A third tweeted: “We are so sorry to hear this awful news. Forever part of the #PalaceFamily.”
    This fan wrote: “How very sad, far too young and so difficult for her family and friends. RIP Charlotte.”
    And that one said: “Very sad to read. Met all the Crystals at a charity do years and years ago. Thoughts with friends and family.” More

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    Emotional Guy Mowbray says ‘it’ll never not seem strange not having you by my side’ after BBC staff member’s death

    COMMENTATOR Guy Mowbray emotionally lead the tributes after BBC staff member Mat Wayne passed away. Wayne had over 25 years of TV experience and worked as a floor manager for the broadcasters.
    BBC commentator Guy Mowbray led tributes to friend Mat WayneCredit: PA
    The BBC paying tribute to staff member Mat Wayne
    He worked on the Olympic Games, World Cups, Six Nations and more.
    His sad death was revealed during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and United.
    Lineker said: “Before we hand back to the second half, everyone at BBC Sport would like to pay tribute to our much-loved friend and colleague Mat Wayne, who sadly passed away this week. 
    “Mat was a real force of nature, a true professional and someone you always enjoyed spending time with. 
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    “We’ll all miss him terribly and send our condolences to his family and his friends, to which he had many.” 
    And Mowbray added: “It will never not seem strange to me not having Mat by my side during commentary. 
    “All our thoughts are there with Sarah, Oscar and Anna.” 
    After the match, an emotional Mowbray tweeted: “I missed my mate today. I will everyday.”
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    City won the game 2-1 thanks to a double from Ilkay Gundogan.
    He said after the win: “To win a final is always special. Every trophy is special. This group deserves it.
    “We played really well, second half was amazing and we deserved to lift another trophy.
    “Obviously we know how we want to play the kick off and we aim to do that, to go long for Erling and try to get a second ball.
    “It just placed amazingly for me and I just had to hit it. Obviously it was a quite good strike.”
    Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan lifts the FA CupCredit: AP More

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    Shaun Pickering dead at 61: Brit Olympian and son of BBC commentator dies as Greg Rutherford leads tributes

    WELSH Olympian Shaun Pickering has died at the age of 61. Pickering was a shot put bronze medallist for Wales during the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
    Shaun Pickering has passed away aged 61Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Pickering won bronze at the 1998 Commonwealth GamesCredit: Allsport
    He was also an Olympian at the 1996 Atlanta games, where he finished 27th.
    Pickering’s best shot of 20.45 metres in 1997 still stands as a Welsh record and places him as sixth best in the across the UK.
    He also held the Welsh record for hammer throw, with a best distance of 68.84m
    Pickering later became UK Athletic’s national event coach for heavy throws.
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    He was the son of the late BBC commentator Ron Pickering and former British Olympian Jean.
    Team GB long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford led the tributes online.
    Taking to Instagram, Rutherford said: “Incredibly sad news to wake up to.
    “Shaun was a really good man and a pillar of the athletics community.
    Most read in Athletics
    “He will be deeply missed.”
    In tribute, Welsh Athletics said: “Everyone at Welsh Athletics is sad to hear the news that ‘Hall of Fame’ inductee, multiple Welsh Champion and record holder Shaun Pickering has passed away.
    “Our thoughts are with Shaun’s friends and family at this sad time.”
    The Ron Pickering memorial fund, a charity aimed at helping aspiring British athletes which Pickering helped to build following his retirement, also paid a heartfelt tribute.
    They said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing today of our beloved Shaun Pickering.
    “Shaun did so much for athletics and to carry on the amazing legacy of his parents Ron and Jean.
    “All our hearts go out to Shaun’s family and friends at this dreadfully sad time 💔.”
    British Athletics also added: ” Everyone at @BritAthletics is so saddened to hear this news today.
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    “Shaun loved the sport passionately and cared deeply for athletes and his many friends across the sport.
    “His work to continue the success of @RunforRon Fund supported so many athletes. RIP Shaun 🖤.” More

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    Antonio Carbajal dead at 93: Mexico legend who became first footballer to play in FIVE World Cups passes away

    WORLD CUP legend Antonio Carbajal has died aged 93.The 48-cap Mexico goalkeeper was the first player to feature in five tournaments, having appeared at all of them from Brazil 1950 to England 1966.
    Antonio Carbajal was a record-breaking Mexican goalkeeperCredit: Getty
    Antonio Carbajal (right) is viewed as a legend in MexicoCredit: Reuters
    The goalkeeper held the record for 32 years before Germany hero Lothar Matthaus equalled the feat in 1998.
    In total, five players have now matched his achievement after the 2022 event in Qatar.
    Lionel Messi, Andres Guardado, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Marquez have all played at five World Cups.
    Most of Carbajal’s 18-year playing career was spent at Club Leon in his homeland, where he made 364 appearances, and who he later led to great success as manager in the 1970s.
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    The club are set to open their stadium to supporters so they can pay their respects to the man nicknamed La Tota and El Ciinco Copas – meaning “the whole” and “Five Cups” – due to his longevity.
    Club Leon said in a statement: “Don Antonio, legends never die.
    “We will always follow your hand. It is an honour to be your team.
    “With honour, respect and love, let’s say our last goodbye to the emerald legend.”
    Most read in Football
    Fifa president Gianni Infantino added: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Antonio Carbajal, the first player to star in five Fifa World Cups.
    “I send our most sincere condolences to his family and to all the Mexican fans who mourn his loss.”
    Fans also wrote touching tributes, one said: “Proper history maker, a name that I absorbed as a kid when starting to become obsessed with the World Cup and its history. RIP.” More

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    Arsenio Iglesias dead aged 92: Former Real Madrid and Deportivo boss passes away after long term illness

    FORMER Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna manager Arsenio Iglesias has died at the age of 92. The experienced and popular coach took charge of a number of Spanish clubs during his playing career.
    Fans at Real Madrid and Deportivo have been paying tribute after the sad newsCredit: Getty
    He had three separate spells in charge of Deportivo, where he won the Copa del Rey in 1995. He also played for the club for six years during the 1950s.
    Deportivo paid tribute to him in a statement on their website.
    The said: “Arsenio Iglesias, the person with the greatest direct influence in the 116 years of history of RC Deportivo, has died May 5 at the age of 92.
    “Arsenio is one of the most notable characters in the centenary deportivist history, linked to the club in different stages during a quarter of a century.”
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    The Spaniard also had a stint in charge of Real Madrid after he was drafted in to help rescue their season during the 1995-96 campaign.
    Los Blancos were experiencing their most troubled year since the 1970s before they hired safe pair of hands Iglesias in January.
    He managed to guide the club to sixth place in the table and the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
    Iglesias enjoyed a managerial career between 1967 and 2008, with his last job being to take charge of the Galicia national team.
    Most read in Football
    Galicia is an autonomous community of Spain and its national team were not recognised by FIFA or UEFA, meaning Iglesias only oversaw friendly matches.
    He also took charge of the likes of club sides Elche, Almeria and Zaragoza.
    During Iglesias’ playing career as a striker, he also played for the likes of Sevilla and Granada. More

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    Tori Bowie dead at 32: US track and field star who won gold at Rio Olympics dies as tributes pour in for ‘dear friend’

    OLYMPIC gold medallist Tori Bowie has died at the age of 32.The US track and field star won gold at Rio 2016.
    US track and field star Tori Bowie has died aged 32Credit: Getty
    Bowie won Olympic gold at Rio 2016Credit: Getty
    Icon Management Inc wrote in an official statement: “We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away.
    “We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister.
    “Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends.”
    Bowie won three medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016 – including gold in the 4x100m relay.
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    She also collected a silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.
    Bowie then excelled at the World Championships in London the following year, collecting golds in the 4x100m relay and 100m sprint.
    Upon learning the devastating news, American world champion Noah Lyles wrote: “I can’t believe this.
    “I had just heard word of her going to be with her sister back home and now this.
    Most read in Athletics
    “This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers.”
    Kenyan javelin superstar Julius Yego tweeted: “So devastating and shocking to learn of the passing on of Tori Bowie.
    “The world of athletics have lost a great champion and patriot of the sport, rest in peace Tori.
    “Condolences to the greater family of Tori Bowie, together in prayers.”
    Plenty of fans also paid tribute to Bowie, with one writing on social media: “Such tragic news; a stark reminder of just how fragile life is. I’ll never forget Tori’s performance in London 6 years ago.”
    And a second wrote: “Prayers and condolences to her family.”
    While a third added: “Unbelievable! Tori was a great person with a wonderful soul. RIP.”
    From left Aaliyah Brown, Allyson Felix, Tori Bowie and Morolake Akinosun celebrate winning gold in the 4x100m at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in LondonCredit: AP
    Tor Bowie comes second behind Elaine Thompson of Jamaica at the Rio GamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Tori Bowie celebrates silver in the Women’s 100m Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic GamesCredit: AFP More

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    Jack Grealish leads tributes to Aston Villa fan & dad Shawn Francis who died suddenly leaving behind devastated family

    MANCHESTER City star Jack Grealish has led tributes to an Aston Villa fan who died suddenly.Shawn Francis, 29, was expecting his first child this summer with his partner of five years, Danielle, before he passed away.
    Jack Grealish led tributes to Shawn and donated £5,000Credit: Getty
    Dad-to-be Shawn Francis, 29, died suddenlyCredit: BPM
    A donation page set up in the Aston Villa ticket holder’s memory has already raised more than £21,000.
    And it includes a £5,000 donation from friend and Blues forward Grealish.
    The Prem ace, who hails from Birmingham, made 213 appearances for Villa before leaving for City in 2021.
    A tribute on Shawn’s Instagram page read: “Heaven gained the most beautiful and purest angel of all.
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    “Our hearts will forever be missing a huge piece that you filled. You were the most caring, loving, honest and fun person who deserved more from life.
    “Our son will be your legacy and we know that through him you will always be with us. He will always know how special and amazing his daddy is.
    “Words will never measure the joy and love you brought us all and, until we meet again, love you. Rest in heavenly paradise, you have gone home to your mom and dad now. Love you always our angel.”
    Andrew Inwood, who has set up a donation page to help Shawn’s family, posted: “Our hearts are heavy as we write this note for support. Our dear friend and brother, Shawn Francis, has left us far too soon, leaving behind a loving partner who is pregnant with their first child and a brother who he was bonded with and loved dearly.
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    “We are all devastated by this loss, but our focus now is on supporting his family during this very difficult time.
    “We cannot imagine the pain his family must be feeling, knowing that Danielle will soon bring their son into the world without Shawn by her side.
    “It breaks all of our hearts to think about the challenges that lie ahead for them, and we want to do everything we can to ease their burden.
    “We want to raise funds to support Shawn’s family, to help cover the costs of the funeral and raising a baby, and lower the financial burden after such a devastating tragedy.
    “We want to give baby L, who will be a nephew to all of us, the best possible start in life, and we know that our friends and the wider community can come together to make a positive difference.
    “If you knew Shawn personally you know he lived his life through kindness, and any donations will be greatly appreciated. If he was still with us, we are sure he would insert a joke of some form right here.
    “We are currently too heartbroken to think of one but rest assured we know the banter would be out in full.
    “If you can spare anything, big or small, consider making a donation to help support Shawn’s family. Every little bit counts and your generosity will make a world of difference to a family that is hurting so deeply.
    “Let’s come together to honour Shawn’s memory and support the family he loved eternally. We love you always, Shawn.”
    A balloon release will be held on Saturday at the Castle Vale Stadium, Farnborough Road.
    It will begin from 3pm onwards and those in attendance have been asked to bring claret and blue balloons, given Shawn’s love of Aston Villa.
    Long-time friend Kieran James told BirminghamLive: “As a friend he was the life and soul of the party – and enjoyed putting a smile on people’s faces and was the most kind-hearted man you could ever wish to meet.
    “He’s a proper family man, loved his partner Danielle, brothers, nieces and nephews. He was very excited about becoming a dad to a little boy and often joked about ‘Project Grealish’ with his firstborn.

    “Shawn was a huge Aston Villa fan and had a season ticket in the Holte End for years and travelled to games home and away.”
    To donate towards Shawn’s page and to help his family, click here. More