Stephen Robertson of Australia writes …yesterday (06.30am Saturday 24th January – Sydney time) 2 of my very good friends & former fellow ski racers David Morris & Dean Hanckel were involved in a tragic accident whilst on a training ride for an upcoming ironman triathlon, they were struck down by a truck causing Dave’s death, at this stage Dean is fighting for his life.
People will know Dave from many years competing at World Championships observing for Rory Brown in Plus One & The Judge, Dave has also observed for myself & Tracey at the worlds level in 1995 & 1997, he was considered as one of the best observers in Australia for a very long time, has been competing in ironman triathlons since 2002 & completed the world famous Hawaii ironman just a few months ago.
Dave leaves behind his wife Jennifer & daughter Ainsley, & the ski racing fraternity in Australia is absolutely devastated from this accident & the loss of Dave’s life.
People will know Dean from being one of the best skiers in Australia for many, many years, skiing behind boats such as Top Gun, Stinga, Mr Walker, The Sting, Showdown & many more.
Dean was the bridge to bridge record holder for 9 years & was the 1st skier to break the illustrious 40 mins barrier in that race, Dean skied with several boats & skiers over his career & won just about every race in Australia including the prestigious Bill McClachlan on 2 occasions when it was Australia’s premier mens race, & i was lucky enough to team up with Dean for a few years & he is a true legend & a great man.
Dean’s wife Kelly has also just given birth to their 3rd son only 2 days before the accident.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/01/26/2474048.htm
http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/sport/triathlon/tri-community-mourns/1417573.aspx
