Family of dead Macau Grand Prix rider Daniel Hegarty receives ‘fantastic news’ as insurance company decides to pay out
A trust fund for the English rider’s two children exceeds HK$300,000, but family says donors can have their money back
The family of Daniel Hegarty, the British rider who died tragically at last year’s Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, has received “fantastic news” after his insurance company decided to pay out in full.
And Joe Hegarty, the brother of the 31-year-old Nottingham-based rider, told the Post that donors who supported the family’s trust fund for Daniel’s two young children, 10-year-old Evan and Flynn, aged three, can have their money back.
Joe Hegarty confirmed on Wednesday that his brother’s family will receive £29,000 (HK$310,583) from Combined Insurance, the company who at first refused to pay up on his policy because he died outside Europe.
“Yes, they are paying out £29,000,” Joe Hegarty said. “We will be receiving payment within the next few weeks.”
Hegarty told Macau’s Hoje Macau that his brother’s family was overjoyed that the insurance company reversed their earlier decision and decided to pay up.
“We have finally had good news about this whole situation, and the family is extremely happy with the outcome of this case. I received a call to say they [Combined Insurance] will pay for everything,” he said.
The response has been most encouraging and as of Wednesday afternoon more than 700 supporters had donated £31,600 – far exceeding the £20,000 target set by the family.
Joe Hegarty confirmed to the Post that those who made donations can have their money reimbursed if they choose.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support because without this publicity, the decision probably wouldn’t have been reversed. If people would like their donations back because of the change in circumstances, then please get in touch,” Joe Hegarty said on his Facebook page. “Let’s give all the money back to anyone who asks.”
Responding to the donations, the family said: “Thank you everyone for being so generous. It means so much to the family to know you are all behind these fantastic children, they deserve the start in life that their dad would have given them.”
Daniel Hegarty was killed when he hit a barrier at the notorious Fisherman’s Bend – the scene of the last fatality at the event in 2012 – with six laps to go in the scheduled 12-lap race.
The British Topgun Racing Honda rider was left stricken on the track and surrounded by debris. He died on his way to hospital, casting a pall on the race which was won by tearful Northern Irish rider Glenn Irwin.
