A mountain biker has died after a crash near Leith Hill on Saturday July 15.

Mike King (56), known as Kinger, came off at around 10:40am near Coldharbour lane. Leith Hill is home to Summer Lightning, an official waymarked trail, as well as semi-official trails such as Yoghurt Pots, Telegraph Road and Barry Knows Best. It is not yet known which trail the rider crashed on.

The rider was taken to hospital by air ambulance with life threatening injuries but tragically passed away on Sunday with his family by his side.

Mark was a father of four and a much loved figure in his local community. He was an instrumental member of the local rugby club and they paid tribute to him today. Shaun Hammond, chairman of Dorking RFC, told the Surrey Mirror: “He was a big chap at 6 foot 6 but still larger than life in terms of his intellect and the way he lived life. He was a great friend and the most humorous man I have ever known. I and everyone who knew him are going to miss him terribly.”

Anyone who may have seen the incident is asked to call Surrey Police on 01483 639 922, quoting reference 17177926.

Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and friends in this difficult time.