POLICE have named the man who died after a crash at an Essex karting track.

He was Derek McKechnie, a plumbing and heating engineer from Ashbeam Close, Great Warley near Brentwood.

The 59-year-old died on Monday evening died after smashing into a bank of tyres at Indikart Racing in Colchester.

His family, paying tribute, said: “A loving husband, brother and father-of-three will always be remembered as a caring individual who spent his day-to-day life being helpful and generous towards others.

“He lived his life for his family and friends spending each day with a smile on his face. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

“We hope our privacy will be respected during this sad time.”

Officers are still working to establish whether Mr McKechnie died from natural causes or as a result of the accident.

But Essex Police confirmed on Tuesday a date had yet to be set for the autopsy.

Safety officials are standing by to launch a probe into the incident.

Martin Nelson, food and safety manager at Colchester Borough Council, said: “Essex Police is leading the investigation at the moment and that will continue until after the post-mortem.

“We’ll get involved if there’s suspicious circumstances around the death. Depending on what the post-mortem tells us, we’ll act accordingly.”

Mr McKechnie was taking part in a race at the Grange Way venue when, just before 7pm, he crashed into tyres at the edge of the track.

Colleagues were quick on the scene to administer first aid, before paramedics transferred him to hospital, where he died soon after arrival.

Nick Harris, speaking on behalf of Indikart Racing Club, said: “The staff and management at Indikart Racing Club extend their deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Derek and will continue to help the police and the local authority with their inquiries.”