Tragedy struck at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland as a rider lost their life in a crash during qualifying.

The racing event was halted on Thursday after the incident, and later, event organizers confirmed the unfortunate passing of the unnamed rider.

An official spokesperson stated, “A participant in the 2026 Briggs Equipment North West 200 has tragically died following an incident at Station corner on the NW200 course during the Superbike qualifying session this morning.

“The session was immediately stopped, and emergency services responded to the scene, but unfortunately, the rider could not survive the injuries sustained.

“While the family has permitted the event to proceed, they have requested that the rider’s identity not be disclosed at this time.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and team from Coleraine and District Motor Club, the race organizers.”

Road Racing Ireland expressed its deepest sympathies to the rider’s family, friends, team, and all those impacted by the day’s events.

Covering 8.97 miles of closed public roads in the ‘Triangle’ circuit encompassing Portrush, Portstewart, and Coleraine, the North West 200 stands as Northern Ireland’s premier outdoor sporting spectacle, drawing approximately 100,000 attendees.

This incident marks the first fatality at the event since the death of Malachi Mitchell-Thomas in a Supertwins race back in 2016.

In response, event organizers have adjusted the schedule for Thursday evening. Road closures will commence as planned at 4.45pm, with four qualifying sessions now replacing the initially scheduled races from 5.45pm onwards.