Everybody connected with the Islands Speedway club have been left stunned, deeply shocked and are trying to come to terms with the news that has reached them today of the untimely death of popular Ex-Wightlink Islander Paul Fry at just 45 years of age.

We wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and many, many friends.

Reports indicate that Paul, who made so many friends at our club when he rode for the Wightlink Islanders in 2008, was found dead at his home in Hereford on Wednesday evening. He was an out and out hard racer on track with a full-throttle, all action style that swiftly established himself as a huge, huge favourite at the Wave105FM stadium but at the same time he was a perfect gentleman off track who always found time to talk to fans both young and old alike.

Paul, who first rode speedway in 1984, was also a top performer on the grasstrack circuits both in the UK and across Europe and was something of a surprise signing by the Wightlink Islanders management prior to the start of the 2008 season at the age of 43 but proved to be an inspired signing indeed. He leaves a widow and two teenage children and our thoughts are with them at this time.

R.I.P “Fryer” - you WILL be greatly missed.

PAUL David FRY:

DATE OF BIRTH: 25 October 1964, Hereford, Herefordshire.
BRITISH CAREER: (1984) Newcastle, Cradley Heath, Arena-Essex; (1986-87) Cradley Heath; (1988) Stoke; (1989-90) Long Eaton; (1991) King’s Lynn; (1992-96) Exeter; (1997-98) Newport; (1999) Stoke; (2000-02) Swindon; (2003) Swindon, Peterborough; (2004) Somerset, Belle Vue; (2005-06) Somerset; (2007) Mildenhall; (2008) Isle of Wight; (2009) Newport, Poole.