Inquest: Off-road biker died after collapsing at a Broad Chalke hill climb

A man died at Salisbury District Hospital after collapsing during a hill climb in Broad Chalke.

James Goddard, 56, of Ivybridge, Devon, died on June 18, 2022, after suffering a laceration to his liver at Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb.

An inquest into his death was heard at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court on July 3 by area coroner Ian Singleton.

Born in Cirencester, Gloucestershire in 1967, Mr Goddard worked as an export manager and had also been an off-road biker since the age of 16.

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A statement from his son added that he enjoyed “running, cycling and keeping fit at the gym where he would go around twice a week".

On June 18, 2022, Mr Goddard travelled to Broad Chalke where he took part in a hill climb competition where the objective is to complete the course in the fastest possible time.

The inquest heard that he was an experienced off road motorcyclist who had not competed there (Broad Chalke) before but he had taken part in two practice runs before at around 2.30pm.

A marshal said that Mr Goddard was seen to be kneeling or bending over during the race. First aid was given and resuscitation was attempted.

An air ambulance took him to the intensive care unit at Salisbury District Hospital where he died at 5.02pm.

The cause of death was not concluded but he was found to have suffered a laceration to his liver.