AN INVESTIGATION is still ongoing into the death of a man at an Essex go-karting race track.

Derek McKechnie, of Ashbeam Close, in Great Warley, Brentwood, was go-karting with friends at the Indikart Racing track in Grange Way, Colchester, on Monday when the fatal crash happened.

The 59-year-old plumbing and heating engineer had been racing his friends when at just before 7pm the Honda 160cc go-kart he was in collided with tyres around the edge of the track.

His was given first aid by friends at the scene and taken by ambulance to Colchester General Hospital but sadly died a short time after arrival.

Officers from the Stanway Road Policing Unit attended the scene and are liaising with the coroner as well as Colchester Borough Council to establish what happened.

Inspector Steve Brewer said: “At this stage we have no idea if the man has died of natural causes or if he sustained serious injuries in the crash, because of our expertise in investigating road collisions we are best placed to investigate this type of incident on behalf of the coroner.

“We have examined the kart and carried out a detailed examination of the race track. Staff members at Indikart have assisted fully in our investigation.”

The Health and Safety Executive, who it was initially thought would be drafted in to assist with the inquiry, have confirmed they will not be investigating.

Mr McKechnie’s family paid tribute to him in the following statement: “A loving husband, brother and father of three will always be remembered as a caring individual who spent his day-to-day life being helpful and generous towards others.

“He lived his life for his family and friends spending each day with a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. We hope our privacy will be respected during this sad time.”

It is believed a post-mortem has still not taken place at this stage.

Martin Nelson, Food and Safety Manager at Colchester Council said: “Colchester Council cannot release the details of the deceased at this moment in time.

“Essex Police have taken primacy of the investigation of the incident as they were first on the scene, which will continue until after the results of the post-mortem.

“As of yet, Colchester Council have not been informed when the post-mortem will be taking place”.

Nick Harris, speaking on behalf of Indikart Racing Club, said: “The staff and management at Indikart Racing Club extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Derek and will continue to help the police and the local authority with their inquiries.”