Supporters of Burnham-On-Sea’s Somerset Rebels speedway team have this week expressed their shock at the news that Paul Fry, a former popular rider, has died aged just 45.
‘Fryer’, as he was affectionately known, became an asset of the Somerset Rebels team when Pete Toogood became promoter at the Oak Tree Arena back in 2004, and quickly won the affections of Rebel fans with his commitment to the club, both on and off the track.
He was a member of the historic Somerset quartet that won the Premier League Four Team Championship in 2005, the first trophy won by the Rebels at Premier League level since their move up from the Conference League three years earlier.
During his career, Paul rode in 97 official fixtures, scoring 754 points, which came to an abrupt end when he suffered a broken leg in a match.
His replacement in the Somerset side was Emil Kramer, who himself was tragically killed in a road accident a little more than three months ago.
“Everyone associated with Somerset Speedway is totally devastated by the news,” Rebels promoter Debbie Hancock told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“Words always seem so inadequate at times like this. Paul will always be a part of Rebels history for the part he played in the club’s Premier League Fours Championship win in 2005, but additionally he will also be remembered for being an ultra professional rider, and one that always had time to not only help out the younger riders.”
“Not only that, but no matter what sort of meeting he had just had, Paul always found time to acknowledge and speak with the fans. Speedway has lost one of its favourite sons, and the sport is all the poorer for his sad passing.”
As well as his time with Somerset, Paul will be fondly remembered by speedway fans up and down the country, having ridden with distinction for the likes of Cradley Heath, where he began his career in 1984, Exeter, Stoke, Long Eaton, Newport and Swindon, with whom he won the Premier League KO Cup, Young Shield and Premier League Fours.
Aged just 45, Fry leaves a widow and two teenage children.
Pictured above is Paul Fry (photo courtesy of Hywel Lloyd)
