Musician's son died from chest injuries in crash

The son of musician and producer Paul Hardcastle died from chest and abdominal injuries suffered in a crash, an inquest heard.

Paul Hardcastle Jr was being pursued by police when his motorcycle collided with a van on the A414 at Bobbingworth, near Ongar, on 12 January.

Senior coroner for Essex, Lincoln Brookes, suspended inquest proceedings so a criminal investigation into the 35-year-old's death could continue.

"In the meantime, I offer Mr Hardcastle's family, friends and loved ones my deepest condolences," he added.

The collision happened at about 18:40 GMT and also involved a van.

Essex Police said officers followed a motorbike after it failed to stop for them in Ongar High Street.

Coroner's officer Deborah Wallace told the inquest: "Mr Hardcastle was riding his motorcycle on the A414 at Bobbingworth.

"It collided with an oncoming vehicle travelling in the other direction."

She said Hardcastle Jr was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:28, giving his provisional cause of death as "chest and abdominal injuries, pending histology and toxicology".

Hardcastle Jr, from Harlow, was a professional saxophonist who also ran a live entertainment company and worked as a DJ and producer.

His father rose to fame in the 1980s when his breakthrough hit, 19, went to number one in 13 countries.

Hardcastle wrote on Facebook after the crash saying his "super talented son" had been killed.

Hundreds of fans shared messages of condolence in response.

Studio owner Sophie Dunne described Hardcastle Jr as "one of the most talented, kind, and energetic people I've ever had the privilege of working alongside".

"Every event we shared was electric — never a person on a seat, just joy, energy, and smiling faces in every moment I captured," she added.

Essex Police said it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after Hardcastle Jr's death.

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