THE son of an 80s music icon died in a motorcycle accident after failing to stop for the police.
Paul Hardcastle announced his 35-year-old son’s death through a heartbreaking Instagram post on Monday night.
Cops have since said that officers pursued a motorbike on Monday in Ongar, Essex, after it failed to stop.
The bike was then involved in a horror smash with a van while the rider drove away from pursuing officers.
Tragically, the rider of the motorbike, a man in his 30s, died at the scene, cops said.
The driver of the van was arrested in connection with the incident and released under investigation.
Essex Police said the incident had been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – the IOPC has since confirmed that it will carry out an independent investigation into the tragedy.
On the evening of the fatal smash composer and record producer Paul Hardcastle shared a picture of his son to announce the tragic death.
Over the image of a young Paul Jr the 80s icon wrote: “Just to let you know that my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died. RIP son love Dad.”
Celebrities have flocked to the comments of the social media post announcing the tragedy to offer their condolences.
Former TOWIE star James Argent said: “I’m so sorry mate, thinking of you all. Heartbreaking.”
While presenter Hayley Palmer said: “Paul, I don’t even have the words – I am so so sorry to hear this. Heartbreaking. Am thinking of you Paul xx”
Paul Sr cancelled an upcoming sold out show in the wake of the tragedy.
He was scheduled to be interviewed by Hayley Palmer at the Hippodrome Casino in London about his life in the music industry.
Host Hayley revealed the news that the show has been cancelled on her Instagram.
She said: “With a heavy heart, I can confirm that Paul Hardcastle has had to cancel Sunday’s show following the devastating loss of his son. My thoughts are with Paul and his family,” the statement read.
“Thank you to everyone who booked and sent such kind messages – all tickets will be refunded automatically.”
Paul Hardcastle Junior followed in his father’s footsteps to become a successful musician.
He was a DJ and played the saxophone, appearing on the final track, Take 1, of his his father’s 2008 album Hardcastle 5.
Paul Senior, 68, is most well known for his 1985 number one hit about soldiers in the Vietnam War, 19.
The song was so successful it became number one in 13 countries.
Paul Sr said every time he stepped out of the house someone would hum the tracks chorus “N-n-n-n-nineteen, nineteen.”
Paul Jr’s 2010 debut single, Touch and Go, was produced by his father and reached number one in the USA Billboard Jazz Chart.
His website describes him as “a billboard chart-topping and Grammy-nominated saxophonist who has enjoyed a successful career across music.”
Paul Jr began performing at just 16, appearing at professional shows in London as a saxophonist for celebrity parties, corporate launches, super-clubs, nightclubs, functions & bars all over the U.K.
After the fatal collision on Monday night Essex Police said: “A man has died following a collision on the A414 near Bobbingworth.
“It was reported that a motorbike and a van were involved in a collision at around 6.38pm on Monday, 12 January.
“Sadly, the motorbike rider – a man aged in his 30s – died at the scene.
“The driver of the van was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation.
“At the time of the collision, the motorbike was being pursued by an Essex Police vehicle following a report that it had failed to stop for officers in Ongar High Street a short time earlier.
“The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is a mandatory step in circumstances such as this.
“The IOPC has confirmed that it will carry out an independent investigation.”
