WPFG Gold Medal Athlete Dies Following Cycling Race Accident
PORTSMOUTH, U.K. - PC Richard Phillips-Schofield, 33, was off-duty and taking part in a race at the velodrome at the Stamshaw centre when the crash happened on Sunday. He was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham with severe head and chest injuries where he died earlier today. He was taking part in the Omega Circuits at the Mountbatten close road circuit on Sunday when the accident happened.
He won two gold medals and a silver medal in the World Police and Fire Games in Belfast last year.
Flags at the force’s Winchester headquarters and Netley have been lowered as mark of respect, and will remain lowered tomorrow.
PC Phillips-Schofield was a rider with the Winchester-based Peter Hansford Racing Team and the force said his main passion was cycling.
He started out at the Light Hall School in Solihull, West Midlands and represented the force in cycling at the highest level, winning national and international awards.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh competed at the World Police and Fire Games with PC Phillips-Schofield. Mr Marsh said: ‘I was proud to serve with Richard, and had the privilege of being one of the first of his colleagues to congratulate him on his gold medal when we competed together in Belfast last year.
‘His service in the police was no less impressive, a first class officer, team player and friend to so many. He was a credit to Hampshire Constabulary and policing in many ways.
‘Richard’s loss will have a huge impact on friends and colleagues across the service, not only in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, but across the UK.
He was unmarried and is survived by his parents.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this tragic time.
Just getting around to posting our photos from the Field Hockey event held at the beautiful Stormont Pavilion in Belfast Northern Ireland.
