British mini-moto champion killed on road where he fell in love with girlfriend

19 September 2023 , 10:49

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Ryan Hastings, known as Titch and pictured here with Chloe Doughty, died in a motorbike crash (Image: BPM Media)

A former British mini-moto champion was killed in a fatal motorbike crash on the very road where he and his girlfriend fell in love.

Ryan Leigh Hastings, affectionately known as Titch from Kidderminster, was just 32 when he died in a collision on the A456 in Bewdley, Worcestershire. The popular motorcyclist was riding his cherished green Kawasaki Ninja motorbike, fondly named "Zoe", when tragedy struck on Monday, August 21 at approximately 4.35pm.

A passionate racer since childhood, Ryan held the title of British mini-moto junior champion in 1998-99 and often reminisced about his victory over renowned motorbike racer Chaz Davies on the World Superbike and Moto GP star's own track.

The 32-year-old man was involved in a smash on the A456 in Bewdley, Worcestershire (BPM Media)

Ryan's girlfriend of two years, Chloe Doughty, shared her heart-wrenching experience of not being able to reach him for over five hours. In an attempt to find him, she retraced his steps in her car, only to discover the road cordoned off by police. She "knew instantly" it was her partner involved in the accident.

Chloe, 22 and from Arley, Worcestershire, said: "I was at work that day and I think he must have been going to see his friend in Far Forest. When I finished work, I couldn't get hold of Ryan, which was unusual." After an agonising five and a half hours of silence, Chloe discovered the truth.

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"I went round his house and the lights were off and the dog was barking. I decided to drive around and when I got to the bypass and saw it closed off by police, I knew instantly it was to do with him. After I confirmed his details and date of birth, they told he'd died. He was my whole life and then he was gone," she shared.

Chloe fondly remembered falling in love with him while riding on the back of Titch's bike on the very road where he met his untimely end. "He'd take me out on the back of the bike and on that special day, we'd ended up in Aberystwyth and come back there after midnight. I knew then."

Chloe had been dating the motorcyclist for two years (BPM Media)

Ryan held the title of British mini-moto junior champion in 1998-99 (BPM Media)

Born and raised on a farm in Cleobury, Shropshire, Ryan later moved to Kidderminster, Worcestershire. His parents, Kim and Bob Hastings, now residing in Merthyr Tydfil, south Wales, along with his brother Craig Summers, are grappling with the devastating loss.

Ryan's cherished Jack Russell dog, Rocky, who was his "pride and joy", is also mourning his absence. Chloe has taken up the responsibility of caring for Rocky, who Ryan often photographed on his bike and even dedicated an Instagram page to.

Chloe added: "Ryan had so many friends all over the country. He was as daft as a brush and so lovable. When he met his friends, he'd give kisses on the cheek rather than a fist pump and got away with it because it was him."

Chloe recalled her late partner's lifelong passion for motorbikes. From his early childhood days to becoming a qualified mechanic, Ryan's love for bikes was evident. "He'd been riding them since he was a little dot and became a qualified mechanic," she shared. "His prowess on the bike was such that he would reassure her during their rides, saying 'you don't need to worry, I was British champion'.

Ryan's competitive spirit shone through as he reminisced about outpacing motorbiker Chaz Davies on his own track. His adventurous streak extended beyond biking - he had tried his hand at road racing, go-karting, and even mountain climbing. Describing him as an energetic soul who loved the outdoors, Chloe said, "Titch loved being in the woods or up a mountain. He was wild and very funny and had a story for everything. He loved to party."

Ryan's popularity was evident when a Go Fund Me appeal for his funeral amassed £3,840. However, Chloe is still grappling with the uncertainty surrounding Ryan's tragic demise and is appealing for witnesses to come forward to provide "closure" for her and his family.

Chloe expressed her confusion over the circumstances of Ryan's accident, given his expertise with bikes. "He knew his way around a bike, which is why it's so hard not knowing what happened on the day he died," she added. "It was a day with perfect driving conditions."

She further revealed that there were reportedly four or five other cars present during the accident, but the police are yet to obtain clear evidence or footage. She said: "My heart goes out to anyone who saw it, but please come forward and talk to the police so me and the family can have closure. The worst part is not knowing what happened to Ryan. I'm prepared for whatever the outcome is, I just need to know."

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In a tragic turn of events, West Mercia Police reported a fatal collision involving a red Vauxhall Corsa on the A456 in Bewdley. The incident occurred at approximately 4.35pm on Monday, August 21. PC Saman Barzanji from West Mercia Police expressed his condolences, stating: ''Our thoughts are with the man's family at this sad time." He further appealed to the public for assistance in the ongoing investigation, urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has any relevant information or dash-cam footage to come forward.

To aid in the investigation, PC Barzanji can be contacted by calling 101 and then extension 7733402 or via email at [email protected].

* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Alison Brinkworth