TT crash: Hamilton remains ‘critical but stable’

The 24-year-old was airlifted from the scene of Friday’s incident to Nobles Hospital before being transferred to Merseyside.

It is understood the former top TT newcomer sustained serious head, leg and arm injuries in the crash.

Hamilton was enjoying a great 2015 TT, equalling his best-ever TT result by finishing fifth in Friday morning’s Supertwin race. But, in the senior race that afternoon, the popular rider was involved in a crash before the 11th milestone.

He came off the Cookstown / BE Racing Suzuki on the second lap at Burnside on the exit of the fast Cronk-y-voddy straight, causing the race to be red-flagged.

His mum, Helen, team boss John Burrows, and close friends are at his bedside.

Fans, friends, fellow riders and sports journalists took to social media over the weekend to issue messages of support for Hamilton.

Stephen Watson from BBC NI tweeted: “Thoughts with Jamie Hamilton who has been taken to hospital for treatment after crashing during senior race at the TT.”

On Saturday, Ulster Rugby’s Richard Lutton, a former Ballyclare High School pupil, wrote: “Wish a speedy recovery to Jamie Hamilton after his bad crash at the Isle of Man TT yesterday.”

On Monday, the ‘Love Ballyclare’ Twitter account posted: “Thoughts and prayers for our Jamie this morning, still in a critical condition in Aintree Uni hospital.”

“Praying for @jamiehamilton44 to make full recovery after his crash today at the TT! Hope we can hear some positive news soon,” wrote World Superbike series leader, Jonathan Rea. Carrick rider Glenn Irwin also tweeted his best wishes.

Speaking to the News Letter on Sunday, BE Racing team boss Burrows said he was praying the young rider would pull through.

“He’s a very seriously ill lad. The next few days are going to be crucial and initially at Nobles Hospital they told us he might not survive this,” he said.

“Naturally, we’re all hoping that Jamie can pull through and I’m hopeful that he can. It’s just devastating for everyone.

“Jamie was just buzzing about being at the TT and we were loving having him in the team. He just seemed to walk into the team and fit in straight away,” added Burrows.