Yoshinari Matsushita lost his life as a result of an incident during qualifying at the Isle of Man TT.

Popular Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita has died following an incident during qualifying at the Isle of Man (IOM) TT.

The 43-year-old was killed in an incident at Ballacrye in the north of the island, with red flags immediately bringing the session to a halt.

The cause of the incident is unknown, however the official IOM TT website reports that there may have been visibility issues due to swirling mist on the Mountain Course.

Yoshinari, from Saitama in Japan, first competed at the TT races in 2009. As well as regularly competing in the Superstock and Superbike classes he also finished fifth in the 2011 TT Zero for electric bikes.

He was a late inclusion into the event, confirmed to join Phillip Neill’s Tyco Suzuki team to pilot its Supersport entry only 24 hours ago.

“Tyco Suzuki is one of the strongest teams in the UK and are regular winners at the Isle of Man TT,” Yoshinari had said just yesterday.

“Former Suzuki rider Mitsuo Ito will be assisting me prepare for this tremendously physical and mental challenge, and I cannot hide my excitement.”

ACU Events Ltd passed on its sympathies to Matsushita’s family and friends.

“Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock,” said Clerk of Course Gary Thompson.

“He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed.”

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.