QUAD BIKER PLUNGES TO DEATH FROM 80FT CLIFFS; Pal's camera flash bid to save Craig.

Byline: Charlie Gall

A YOUNG quad bike rider plunged 80 feet to his death when he and his machine fell off a cliff.

Craig Morrison, 20, landed on rocks and was dead on arrival at hospital.

A 19-year-old pal watched in horror as Craig and his bike disappeared over the cliff at Glen Tolsta on the isle of Lewis.

The friend used the camera flash on his mobile phone to guide a rescue helicopter to the scene.

Craig lived in the village of Back, not far from the spot where he died at around 11pm on Monday.

His family said yesterday: "We are devastated by the loss of a beloved son, brother and grandson. He will be sorely missed and always remembered in our hearts.

"It is hoped that, through the death of Craig, others will be more aware of how dangerous quads can be."

Coastguard teams from Stornoway, Ness and Bragar tried to save Craig, and police, firefighters and paramedics raced to the scene.

Sympathy But there was nothing any of the rescuers could do. Craig was pronounced dead atWestern Isles Hospital in Stornoway.

A Stornoway Coastguard spokeswoman said: "It is not an easy location but the friend used the flash on his phone camera to guide the helicopter.

"Despite the best efforts of the helicopter crew, the rider was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

"All involved with the rescue would like to express their deepest sympathy to his family and friends."

Police were investigating the tragedy but said it did not appear to be suspicious.

Quad bikes have been involved in a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

Rock star Ozzy Osbourne was almost killed in a quad bike crash six years ago, and TV comic Rik Mayall suffered serious head injuries when his bike flipped and landed on him on his Devon farm in 1998.

CAPTION(S):

TRAGIC: Craig was on bike near his home