The music world is in mourning after Paul Hardcastle Jnr, the 35-year-old son of 80s pop icon Paul Hardcastle, was killed in a motorcycle crash following a police pursuit in Essex.
The Fatal Incident on the A414
Essex Police confirmed that a motorcyclist in his 30s died after a collision on the A414 near Bobbingworth at approximately 6.38pm on Monday, January 12. The force stated that officers had attempted to stop the rider earlier on Ongar High Street, and a pursuit was authorised after the motorcycle failed to stop. The incident involved a van, whose driver was arrested and later released under investigation. Paramedics attended the scene but the motorcyclist was pronounced dead.
A Father's Heartbreaking Tribute
Jazz musician and 80s legend Paul Hardcastle, 68, confirmed the tragic news in a poignant Facebook post on Monday night. He wrote: 'Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad.' The elder Hardcastle, best known for his 1985 chart-topping hit '19', had three children with his wife Dolores Baker.
Paul Hardcastle Jnr was a professional saxophonist who began his musical career at 16, following in his father's footsteps. By 18, he had secured a residency at an Ibiza nightclub. His debut single, 'Touch and Go', produced by his father and released in 2010, reached number one on the US Billboard Jazz chart.
Independent Investigation Launched
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has begun an independent investigation into the actions of Essex Police prior to the fatal collision. An IOPC spokesperson stated they were notified by the force just before 10pm on Monday and declared an independent investigation at 1am on Tuesday, January 13. The investigation will examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, a mandatory step in such incidents.
Fans and friends have flooded social media with tributes. One Facebook user shared, 'Your son was so kind to my teenage son after he'd had a mental health episode. I will never forget his kindness.' Another wrote, 'Losing your child is the worst thing in the world. My heart goes out to you.'
Essex Police would not officially confirm the rider's identity but noted there were no other fatal motorbike crashes in the area that day.
