Keith Farmer, a former British motorcycle racing champion, has passed away at the age of 35. He was found hanging at his home in Cumbria on November 6, 2022, and died four days later in hospital. His death has shocked and saddened the racing community, as well as his family and friends. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Keith Farmer, as well as the possible causes and circumstances of his death.
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Who was Keith Farmer?
Keith Farmer, also known as The Clogher Bullet, was born on February 2, 1987, in Clogher, Northern Ireland. He came from a racing family, as his father and uncle were both motorcycle racers. He started riding bikes at the age of four, and competed in motocross and road racing events.
He made his debut in the British Superbike Championship (BSB) in 2010, riding for Team WFR Honda. He quickly proved his talent and potential, winning the BSB National Superstock 600 title in 2011, and the BSB National Superstock 1000 title in 2012. He became the first rider to win both Superstock titles in consecutive years.
He moved up to the British Supersport Championship in 2013, riding for Gearlink Kawasaki. He finished third in the standings, behind Sam Lowes and Billy McConnell. He switched to PBM Kawasaki in 2014, but suffered a serious leg injury at Brands Hatch that sidelined him for most of the season.
He returned to racing in 2015, riding for PR Racing BMW in the BSB class. He struggled to adapt to the Superbike machine, and finished 20th in the standings. He moved back to the Supersport class in 2016, riding for Tsingtao MV Agusta. He showed some promising results, but also had some crashes and mechanical issues.
He had his best season in 2017, when he joined Appleyard Macadam Yamaha in the Supersport class. He won six races and clinched the title with one round to spare. He became the first rider to win three different British championships.
He stepped up to the Superstock 1000 class again in 2018, riding for Tyco BMW. He dominated the season, winning eight races and securing his fourth British title. He also made his debut in the North West 200 road race, finishing sixth in the Superstock race.
He got another chance to race in the BSB class in 2019, riding for Tyco BMW again. He had a difficult season, suffering several crashes and injuries that affected his performance. He finished 16th in the standings, with a best result of seventh at Oulton Park.
He switched to Buildbase Suzuki for the 2020 season, but had another unlucky year. He crashed during qualifying at Donington Park’s opening round, and sustained a severe arm injury that required surgery. He missed most of the season, and only returned for the final round at Brands Hatch.
He announced his retirement from racing at the end of 2020, citing financial and personal reasons. He said he wanted to focus on his family and his plumbing business. He also revealed that he had been suffering from depression and anxiety for several years.
How did Keith Farmer die?
According to an inquest held on April 21, 2023, Keith Farmer took his own life by hanging himself at his home in Cumbria on November 6, 2022. His wife found him unconscious and called for an ambulance. He was taken to Cumberland Infirmary, where he was put on life support.
A CT scan done on November 7 showed features of severe brain damage. It was agreed to withdraw life support and Mr Farmer passed away on November 10. A post-mortem report revealed he had no drugs or alcohol in his system at the time of his death. The medical cause of death was given as a severe brain injury due to hanging.
The coroner recorded a verdict of suicide. He said that Mr Farmer had left a note expressing his intention to end his life. He also said that Mr Farmer had been suffering from mental health issues for some time. He had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2018, and had been prescribed medication and counselling.
The coroner said that Mr Farmer had faced several challenges in his life, including financial difficulties, career setbacks, injuries, chronic pain, family problems, and marital breakdown. He said that Mr Farmer had felt hopeless and helpless about his situation1, and had not sought help from anyone before taking his own life.
The coroner expressed his condolences to Mr Farmer’s family and friends, and urged anyone who is struggling with mental health issues to seek help and support. He said that suicide is never the answer, and that there is always hope and help available.
What are the reactions to Keith Farmer’s death?
The news of Keith Farmer’s death has shocked and saddened the racing community, as well as his family and friends. Many people have paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as a talented and successful racer, a kind and generous person, and a loving husband and father.
Some of the messages are as follows:
- British Superbike Championship: We are devastated to hear of the passing of Keith Farmer, who won the 2017 British Supersport title with Appleyard Racing in addition to his three Superstock titles. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team at this incredibly difficult time.
- Appleyard Macadam Racing: We are absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of our 2017 British Supersport Champion Keith Farmer. He was a huge part of our team and will always be remembered for his incredible talent, determination and personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and everyone who knew him.
- Tyco BMW: We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former rider and friend Keith Farmer. He was a true champion on and off the track, and we will always cherish the memories we shared with him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the whole racing community at this tragic time.
- Buildbase Suzuki: We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Keith Farmer. He was a great rider and a great person, who always gave his best and never gave up. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team mates at this difficult time.
- Michael Laverty: Absolutely gutted to hear the news of Keith Farmer passing away. He was one of the most talented riders I ever raced against, winning four British titles in different classes. He was also a great guy, always smiling and joking. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Glenn Irwin: I can’t believe the news of Keith Farmer passing away. He was a legend of our sport, winning four British championships in different categories. He was also a lovely person, always friendly and helpful. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
- Alastair Seeley: I’m devastated to hear the news of Keith Farmer passing away. He was a brilliant rider, winning four British titles in different disciplines. He was also a good friend, always up for a laugh and a chat. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Conclusion
Keith Farmer was a motorcycle racing champion, who won four British titles in different classes. He was also a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and team mate. He died by suicide at the age of 35, after suffering from depression and anxiety for several years. His death has left a huge void in the racing world, as well as in the hearts of his loved ones. He will be remembered as one of the best riders of his generation, and as a wonderful human being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please do not hesitate to seek help and support. You can contact the following helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (Ireland)
- Lifeline: 0808 808 8000 (Northern Ireland)
- CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (UK)
- PAPYRUS: 0800 068 41 41 (UK) or 0800 068 41 41 (Ireland)
- Mind: 0300 123 3393 (UK) or website
- Pieta House: 1800 247 247 (Ireland) or website
