'Broken beyond belief' - Wife of tragic Manx Grand Prix rider Sam Naughton 'struggling to get through each minute'
The wife of tragic Manx Grand Prix rider Sam Naughton said she was “broken beyond belief” after he was killed in a crash on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old, from Castletown on the Isle of Man, came off at Doran’s Bend during a qualifying session on Wednesday afternoon.
He was the second competitor killed at the event this year after Swiss racer Mauro Poncini, who was 29, lost his life in a crash at Cruickshanks in Ramsey on Tuesday evening.
Posting a moving tribute on Facebook, Charlotte Naughton said her husband was her “best friend and partner in crime”.
“I don’t think I’ll ever process yesterday. I am absolutely broken beyond belief,” she said.
“Sam was my absolute world, my best friend, my partner in crime. We were a team and right now I’m struggling to get through each minute, the thought of a life without him is making me sick.
“Thank you for everyone’s messages and support. It’s going to be a long road ahead for myself and our babies.”
The Manx Grand Prix organisers said Naughton had made his debut at the event in 2025 after starting his racing career in 2020.
“Having made his debut in 2025, Sam was in his second year of competing at the Manx Grand Prix, and was a regular competitor at a number of other road racing events since he began racing in 2020,” a statement read.
“The Manx Grand Prix Races pass on their deepest sympathy to his wife Charlotte, his children Bonnie, Liam, Jesse and Parker, his family, and friends.”