'Fifth Bunnyman' killed in crash

The former keyboard player died on Tuesday in the Isle of Man

A former keyboard player with Echo and the Bunnymen has been killed in a motorbike crash on the Isle of Man.

Jake Brockman, who was 53 and married, lived in Bristol. He died when his bike was in collision with a converted ambulance near Kirk Michael on Tuesday.

Known to fans as the "Fifth Bunnyman", he had been associated with the Liverpool band since its 80s heyday and became a full-time member in 1989.

In 1989 the band's first drummer Pete De Freitas died in a similar crash.

'Invariably seasick'

A spokesman for the Isle of Man Police confirmed Mr Brockman's death.

In a statement, his family and wife Sally Mundy said: "Jake was always a classic bike enthusiast, he loved sailing though he was invariably seasick.

"Music was central to Jake's life."

Mr Brockman formed the dance band BOM with Bristol-based musician Damon Reece.

He also worked as a sound recordist for the BBC's natural history unit on several projects.

Mr Brockman, who was born in Borneo, studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

The band has paid tribute to Mr Brockman on its official website.

He was was riding along the Kirk Michael to Ballaugh Road on Tuesday evening when the accident happened.

Mr Brockman was taken to Noble's Hospital but died from his injuries a few hours later.

Investigations into the crash are continuing.