Frank Petricola killed in Isle of Man TT qualifying

The Isle of Man TT is notorious for being one of the deadliest motorsport events on the planet and after three deaths in 2014, this year's edition has already seen its first fatality.

At the Sulby Crossroads, 32-year-old Frank Petricola crashed and tragically lost his life during qualifying on Wednesday. The French rider is now listed as the 141st competitor to die during in the century-long history of the TT. This would have been his debut in the prestigious motorcycle racing event.

According to ACU Events Ltd, "Petricola was a regular competitor in the IRRC Championship and enjoyed his best season in 2013 with 11th overall in the Superbike category.  His best result, sixth, came at Chimay and he ended the year strongly with six successive top ten finishes and took a brace of thirds in the Lightweight Races at Horice and Terlicko."

"Franck showed incredible character to battle back from the serious injuries he suffered at the North West 200 last year when many a lesser man would have given up the challenge - but it showed his determination to compete on the mountain course," said Gary Thompson, Clerk of the course.

An investigation has been launched in regards to the details of the accident and his death.