The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Paul Hardcastle Jr., the son of 1980s musician Paul Hardcastle, who died following a motorcycle crash in Essex, England. The tragedy occurred on , and an inquest was opened today, , at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court.
According to reports, Paul Hardcastle Jr., 35, was being pursued by police when his motorcycle collided with a van on the A414 at Bobbingworth, near Ongar. Essex Police initiated the pursuit after the motorcycle failed to stop for officers in Ongar High Street. The collision took place at approximately 18:40 GMT. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:28.
The provisional cause of death, pending further histological and toxicological analysis, has been recorded as chest and abdominal injuries. Senior Coroner for Essex, Lincoln Brookes, has suspended inquest proceedings to allow for the continuation of a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Paul Hardcastle Sr., known for his 1980s hit “19” which topped charts in 13 countries, publicly shared his grief on social media, describing his son as “super talented.” Hardcastle Jr. Followed in his father’s musical footsteps, establishing himself as a professional saxophonist, DJ, and producer. He also ran a live entertainment company.
Those who worked alongside the younger Hardcastle have spoken of his vibrant personality and musical gifts. Studio owner Sophie Dunne described him as “one of the most talented, kind, and energetic people I’ve ever had the privilege of working alongside,” noting that every event they shared was filled with “joy, energy, and smiling faces.”
The tragedy has prompted an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is standard procedure in such cases, Essex Police stated. The matter was referred to the IOPC as a “mandatory step.”
In a recent post on Instagram, Paul Hardcastle Sr. Shared further reflections on his son’s life, acknowledging his struggles with mental health. He expressed his deep sorrow and mentioned that Paul Jr. Had recently signed his first record deal. Hardcastle Sr. Also indicated his intention to release an album of his son’s recordings as a tribute.
The loss of Paul Hardcastle Jr. Is a significant blow to the music community and a deeply personal tragedy for his family and friends. The inquest, now paused for the criminal investigation, will eventually seek to determine the full circumstances leading to his death. Hundreds of fans have shared messages of condolence in response to the news, highlighting the impact Paul Jr. Had on those who knew and appreciated his work.
The van driver involved in the collision was arrested but has since been released, according to reports. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the events of .
