Germaine Mason dead: Great Britain Olympic medallist killed in motorbike crash

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Great Britain Olympic silver medallist Germaine Mason has died after a motorbike accident in his native Jamaica.

The 34-year-old retired high jumper was on his way to the capital Kingston in the early hours of Thursday morning when he lost control of the bike and crashed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mason was riding in convoy along the Palisadoes main road with a number of athletes including triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt and 2005 world championship silver medallist Michael Frater.

Mason won silver in the high jump at the Beijing Games in 2008.

He grew up in the Caribbean before emigrating to the UK and switching allegiances to Team GB in 2006.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted: “Our sincere condolences to the entire sporting fraternity.”

Jessica Ennis tweeted: “This is just awful. Such sad news”, while Linford Christie added: “Heart goes out to friends and family of Germaine Mason on this sad day. RIP Germaine. Never forgotten.”

Former Olympic champion Denise Lewis said: “My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to Germaine Mason’s family & friends. A tragic loss of such fun & loving person.”