Gareth Roberts, a co-driver taking part in the Targo Florio rally, was killed today when his car crashed on a bend.
The 24-year-old Welshman was competing in this fifth leg of the International Rally Challenge with Irish team-mate Craig Breen.
Breen, who was driving the Peugeot 207, escaped unscathed from the accident.
In a statement, IRC organisers said: “On stage eight of Targa Florio-Rally Internazionale Di Sicilia there was an accident involving car number 15, Craig Breen and Gareth Roberts, which resulted in the stage being stopped to enable medical crews to attend the scene.
“Despite their best efforts, Gareth Roberts succumbed to his injuries and the remainder of the event has been cancelled as a mark of respect.”
Terrible news, rip. Awful for Breen such a young and talented driver
Rip Gareth thoughts are with his family and also with Craig and his family I hope Craig comes bk from this tragedy he’s a top young driver
Another sad day for Motorsport! RIP
Another terrible blow for motorsport. RIP The Welsh Wizard.x
Another blow for Motorsport a young lad taken in his prime who surely would have gone all the way to WRC with Craig. It really hits home when something like this happens that life is too short. In my own involvement in the sport I was lucky to come out of my biggest crash with only superficial injuries but without the stringent safety measures put in place in the sport it would have been a different story.
Let’s hope Craig makes a full recovery and gets back out on the stages. He is one of Ireland’s most talented drivers who had what it takes to go all the way to WRC and put Irish Motorsport back on the international stage.
My condolence to Gareth’s family. I met him once at a rally and he was both friendly and professional at the same time.
Rip Gareth, very tragic. Sincere sympathy to his family for this loss and to Craig at this horrible time.
A sad day for our sport. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected.
how terrible. condolescences to those he left behind