Motorcyclist killed in crash was on way to celebrate life of a fellow biker (From This is Hampshire)

Motorcyclist killed in crash was on way to celebrate life of a fellow biker

8:15am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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A POPULAR Hampshire motorcyclist killed in a road accident was on his way to an event celebrating the life of another biker.

People from across the UK have paid tribute to Darren Mulliner who was due to meet Buell motorcycle fans at an annual memorial event to honour fellow rider Emma Radford.

Friends and former customers of Darren, who was affectionately known as "Yoffi", were waiting for the 39-year-old to arrive at the Emma Radford Buell Memorial event in Lincolnshire when he was in collision with a lorry in Norfolk.

Since news of his tragic death broke hundreds of tributes have poured into the Daily Echo and bikers' websites.

Friend Neil Parmar said Darren, who worked at Southampton's Dockgate 20 Harley Davidson dealership, was well known by bikers throughout Europe for his passion and expertise with the Harley Davidson-owned Buell bike.

He told the Daily Echo: "He was a best friend. He contacted me on a bike forum a few years ago when I was thinking about getting a bike. He said I needed to come down and see him and I did.

"He sold me a Buell and since then we were the best of friends."

"Darren was not just a sales guy from Dockgate 20 Harley Davidson, but a friend to all those who dealt and met with him.

"Never has anyone come close to the dedication Darren showed to his love for Buell bikes and love for those who rode them," Neil added.

Police in Norfolk are investigating the incident, which happened just after 10am on Saturday, in the village of Welney.

Emergency services were called to the collision and ambulance crews pronounced him dead at the scene.

Staff and colleagues at Dockgate 20 Harley Davidson say they are still shocked by the news.

Dealership principal Tony Tate said: "It's a great shame. He loved bikes and he was always smiling and always friendly."

Darren was riding one of his favourite bikes, a Buell 1125, and was thought to have been the third in a group of six bikes heading to the weekend event organised by UK Buell Enthusiasts Group.

Named after biker Emma Radford, who died aged 26 from multiple sclerosis, the event is the UK's biggest annual get together for Buell riders.

Darren leaves a widow Susannah and two children.

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