Costello 'currently paralysed' after IOM TT crash
Maria Costello was competing in both solo and sidecar classes at the IOM TT
- Published
Isle of Man TT competitor Maria Costello is "currently paralysed" as she sustained extensive injuries in a qualifying crash at the event last week, it has been revealed.
Costello was involved in an incident on the approach to Brandish during first qualifying on Tuesday, 26 May and was airlifted to Noble's Hospital on the island for assessment and treatment, before being transferred to Walton Hospital in Liverpool.
The 52-year-old's condition was described as "serious but stable" by the organisers, who have indicated that she continues to receive specialist care and treatment on spinal injuries.
In a post on a GoFundMe Page on her social media channels it was revealed that Costello's injuries included being "currently paralysed from T5/T6 down".
Other injuries listed are a broken back (T5 and T6 vertebrae), broken arm, multiple broken ribs, grade four large liver laceration, broken nose, broken eye socket, lacerations between the eyes and a broken sternum.
A statement issued by the organisers on Tuesday said they "continue to communicate with and support Maria, her family and team at this time".
Her sidecar passenger Shaun Parker was also injured in the incident and is being treated at the island's main hospital for chest, leg, arm and facial injuries.
A regular competitor in both the solo and sidecar classes at the TT, Costello, from Northamptonshire, was marking the 30th anniversary of her debut on the island's Mountain Course when she competed in the Manx Grand Prix.
The crash happened about two miles from the start-finish line on the 37.7-mile (60km) circuit, on the closing lap of the evening's qualifying session.
It led to the second red flag of the 2026 event following an incident during Monday's opening practice session in which a solo motorcycle competitor crashed into a group of spectators, injuring eight.
An incident involving solo rider Dan Ingham at Doran's Bend on Wednesday evening resulted in the death of the former Senior Manx Grand Prix winner.
