Flags at half-mast as tributes paid to “much-loved” motorcycle enthusiast

Monday 26 June 2023

Tributes have been pouring in for the "caring" and "much-loved" 23-year-old motorcycle enthusiast and Customs Officer who died during the sprints along the Five Mile Road this weekend.

The Jersey Motor Cycle and Light Car Club has offered its "sincere and heartfelt condolences" to the family, fiancée and friends of Kieran Le Bail, who passed away following an accident at the Club's sprint event in St. Ouen on Saturday (24 June).

In a statement, the Club said it was "saddened and shocked by the tragic incident". 

"On behalf of everyone connected with the Club, we would like to offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, fiancée and many friends of Kieran," it continued.

"We, and our governing body, are offering support to those effected by this tragic incident."

Mr Le Bail worked for the Jersey Customs and Immigration Service (JCIS, which is currently flying flags at half-mast at its Maritime House headquarters. 

In a statement, the JCIS, which also changed its social media profile picture in tribute, said: "Jersey Customs and Immigration Service is heartbroken to confirm that Kieran Le Bail, a serving Officer, tragically passed away on Saturday 24 June, following a motorcycle accident on the Five-Mile Road during the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club Sprint Event."

Pictured: Kieran Le Bail was remembered by Customs as "young, capable and dedicated" officer.

Head of JCIS, Mark Cockerham, commented: “We are devastated by the shocking news and sudden loss of Kieran, who sadly passed away on Saturday following a motorcycle accident. Kieran was a highly respected and much-loved colleague and friend to all at Jersey Customs and Immigration and we will miss him enormously.

“I extend my sincere sympathies to all those impacted by this devastating loss of such a young, capable and dedicated officer. Our thoughts and deepest condolences in particular go out to his family and friends.”

Ports of Jersey said flags will also be flying at half-mast at the Airport and Harbour "as a mark of respect" until the funeral of Mr Le Bail, who they described as "very popular and well-respected amongst his colleagues".

Many islanders have also been paying tribute to Mr Le Bail on social media, including his fiancée, Ashyanna-Marie Ball, who remembered him as “so caring, thoughtful and loyal” and someone who would “always light up a room”. They spent seven years together and got engaged in January in The Alps.

Mr Le Bail was also a former cadet with the Air Training Corps.

Pictured: Kieran Le Bail as an Air Cadet, having a check made on his LN98 by Army Cadet Force commanding officer Lt Chris Rayner. (Leighton Jenkins)

Training Officer Leighton Jenkins said: "The Air Cadet family was heartbroken [by] this tragic news. He was an outstanding member of the squadron and very successful having achieved his gold Duke of Edinburgh award. We will always remember him for his sense of fun, spirit of adventure, commitment to the squadron and his teamwork.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this tragic time."

Tributes on social media..

Fernanda Vieira, described him as a “beautiful soul” and a “pleasure” to work with.

Cindy Marques described him as “one of the nicest people”.

Joanna Pinto said his loss would leave a “huge void in JCIS”.

“To say his colleagues are devastated would be an understatement. I am truly sorry to hear this,” she commented.

A former teacher of Mr Le Bail, Shelley du Feu, remembered him as a “gorgeous four to five-year-old”.

Simon Blackmore said: “I remember Kieran firstly as an Air Cadet and then when he joined JCIS, He had such a lovely personality, was so polite and got on with everyone.” 

Alex Salmon said he "was one of the nicest and most genuine guys I know".

Rannoch Smith said he was "an absolute gentleman who knew exactly how to conduct himself in anyone’s company", as well as “an excellent officer who had a tremendous work ethic.”

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