Musician Paul Hardcastle, best known for his 1985 number one single '19', has shared the heartbreaking details of his final conversation with his son, Paul Hardcastle Jr., just minutes before the 35-year-old died in a motorcycle accident in Ongar, Essex.
In an Instagram video, Hardcastle explained that his son had missed a flight to Greece for work gigs and was trying to retrieve his saxophone from an impounded car. Hardcastle offered to meet him halfway to deliver another saxophone, but his son said he would call back in five minutes. He never did.
The accident occurred on Monday after police pursued the motorbike for failing to stop. The bike collided with a van, and the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Hardcastle urged fans not to speculate about the police involvement, attributing the tragedy to his son's rash decision to retrieve his instrument rather than take an Uber.
Hardcastle recounted how police delivered the news, saying he felt sorry for the officers. He advised others not to make impulsive decisions, stating, 'Cancel the gig. Do something else.' He added, 'Rest in peace, poor Junior.'
The post drew hundreds of messages of support, with one follower praising Hardcastle's strength in sharing the story to raise awareness. The musician had previously announced his son's death with a photo of him as a child.
