An inquest into the death of road racer William Dunlop has returned a verdict of ‘death by misadventure’ following three-days of deliberation at Dublin District Coroner’s Court.

Dunlop died in an accident during a practice session for the Skerries 100 race on 7 July 2018, with the investigators concluding that the crash was caused by a sump plug coming off, causing the rear tyre to be covered in oil.

The findings of Superintendent Carroll differ from those of the Dunlop family, who commissioned their own investigation. Its report considers the accident to have been caused by Dunlop’s Mar-Train Yamaha R1 bottoming out, with team-mate Paul Jordan - who was running behind William at the time of the crash - claiming it had been doing so on laps before the incident.

Subsequently, the Dunlop family holds the belief that William’s bike had been set too low, an assertion coroner Cróna Gallagher said would be considered at further hearings.

Forensic collision investigators have also ruled out rider error as a reason for the crash, pointing to white smoke being emitted from the bike before the accident, as well as absolving the venue for inadequate track conditions.

A six-person jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure at the end of the hearing.

Dunlop is survived by his brother and fellow road racer Michael Dunlop, while they are also son to the late Robert Dunlop and nephews of the late Joey Dunlop.