In a tragic incident reported by Wales Online, a teenager lost his life after purchasing an off-road motorcycle with defective brakes. The 15-year-old, Preston Camps-Lee, acquired the vehicle from a Facebook listing for £500 on December 21, 2023. The motorcycle had been advertised as “a beast and ready to ride”. However, the bike was found to be in a dangerous condition, with faulty brakes that ultimately led to the fatal accident.
Preston suffered catastrophic head injuries on Boxing Day 2023 when he lost control of the motorcycle along Cwmavon Road in Port Talbot. The teenager, who attended St Joseph’s Catholic School, was riding with his friend, Mackenzie Dyer, on their bikes when the tragic incident occurred. Despite his limited experience in riding motorcycles, Preston had decided to purchase the off-road bike using money he had earned and been gifted.
During the inquest, it was revealed that Preston negotiated an ‘S’ bend on the road before losing control, colliding with a kerb, and being thrown off his bike. Despite the efforts of bystanders like Jaye Blanco-Martin and Zac John Kirby Ley, who administered CPR until emergency services arrived, Preston succumbed to his injuries. He was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff but tragically passed away the following day.
The investigation highlighted that the motorcycle Preston had purchased had several defects that rendered it unsafe for road use. The rear brake was found to be non-functional, and the front brake was compromised, posing a significant risk to the rider. Preston’s grandmother, Kay Camps, expressed her grief and shock over the incident, stating, “It was a beast. It killed my grandson.” She emphasised the need for stricter regulations regarding the sale of motorbikes to minors and the handling of evidence after accidents.
Senior coroner Aled Gruffydd’s conclusion of a road traffic collision highlighted the need for preventive measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future. He proposed the implementation of laws to regulate the sale of off-road motorcycles to minors and prevent such incidents. Gruffydd also raised concerns about the lack of safety measures surrounding off-road bikes and suggested involving parents in the decision-making process regarding their children’s access to such vehicles.
The untimely death of Preston Camps-Lee has devastated his family and the community, with heartfelt tributes pouring in for the talented young boy with a promising future. Preston’s passion for football and his strong work ethic were noted, reflecting a bright future ahead of him. His family, friends, and the local community mourn his loss and remember him as a kind, outgoing individual who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.
As the investigation continues and authorities explore avenues for preventing future accidents involving off-road vehicles, the memory of Preston Camps-Lee serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety regulations and responsible vehicle ownership. The tragic incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement of laws to protect young riders and prevent similar tragedies from recurring.