Top ski racer dead, another fighting for life

3:40 AM Tue 27 Jan 2009 GMT
The ski racing world is in mourning after a tragic accident in Sydney last Saturday claimed the life of David Morris and left Dean Hanckle seriously injured.

They were on bicycles training for a forthcoming triathlon when they were hit, believed from behind, by a truck travelling in the same direction.

Many of the sport's leading competitors have expressed absolute shock and sadness at the news, following on from the equally tragic death last year of another 'gun' skier, Peter Eagle.

Morris leaves behind a wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Ainsley, while Hanckle's wife Kelly gave birth to the couple's third son only two days prior to the accident.

Tributes to both men have flowed thick and fast from stunned fellow competitors in Australia, the United States and Europe.

I was fortunate enough to know David and his father, Barney, quite well and I'm as saddened as anyone at this dreadful news.

One can only hope Dean Hanckle's fitness will help carry him through.

David Morris was one of the best observers in ski race competition and was a regular member of some of the top Super Class teams over the past 20-years, including 'Plus I' and 'The Judge'.

I had some good times with David, 'Killer' as he was then known, in Spain during the 1985 World Ski Racing championships.

His loss is an extremely sad one for all and Powerboat-World extends its deepest sympathies to dad Barney, wife Jennifer and daughter Ainsley.

Dean Hanckle rates as one of the sport's outstanding exponents and was the first skier to 'crack' the 40 minute barrier in the Bridge to Bridge on the Hawkesbury River.

Our prayers are with the Hanckle family as Dean battles his injuries.

At this stage, no other details of the accident have become available.

by Bob Wonders

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Top ski racer dead, another fighting for life

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