A POPULAR jockey, seriously hurt in a crash between Swindon and Marlborough last week, has died.

Police said today that John Goggin, from Wroughton, who was well known in Marlborough, died on Saturday.

And Wiltshire Police have renewed an appeal witnesses to the three-car crash.

At around 11.45pm a silver Toyota Corolla, driven by Mr Goggin, was involved in a collision with a blue Audi A4 and a black Vauxhall Astra on the A346 between Marlborough and Swindon, close to the Ogbourne Downs Golf club on Sunday, November 15.

Four people were hurt with the driver of the Audi, who suffered multiple leg injuries, still being in hospital.

The passenger and driver of the Astra, who are both women from Bristol, suffered minor injuries.

The A346 was completely closed to traffic in both direction for more than four hours to allow collision investigators to examine the scene.

Mr Goggin worked for trainer Alan King, based at Barbury Castle stables near Wroughton.

A tribute to Mr Goggin was today paid on Facebook by the Jockeys Work Education and Training Scheme.

It said: “John Goggin was  a graduate of RACE in 2011 and an amateur jockey with John Nash on the Curragh before he decided to progress his career with Alan King in the UK.

“So sad to let you all know John Goggin has lost the battle but won the race. He lived, loved and was loved. He experienced the excitement of Cheltenham."

The organisation said Mr Goggin had been on his way home from racing in Cheltenham at the time of the crash.

Tributes paid on Facebook included one from Ryan Cronin, saying: "Words will never be able to describe the emotion and heartache you experience when writing a post like this . I will be forever grateful for being lucky enough to have grown up with someone as inspirational as John Goggin...

"As a cousin and one of my best friends I will always cherish the memories I have of you and not a day will go by that I won't think of you."

Hayley O'Sullivan said: "Heartbroken is an understatement of what we are all feeling right now.. you were simply the nicest guy I have ever come across and i had the pleasure of spending almost everyday with you for years riding ponies and you taught me so much.

"If it wasn't for you I'd still be working in a factory in Bantry you always pushed me to follow my dreams and you were always there for me when ever I needed advice... I'm so happy you played such a big role in my life love you till the end my friend xxx"

Killian Andrews wrote: "John was a fella that everyone wanted to be around cos when u were with him u were always sure to be smiling at something he did or said. You're inspiring that you had a dream & went for it. Not a lot of people can say that."

And Karen Dooley said: "John Goggin were the kindest, sweetest guy anyone could ever wish to meet.

"Life is short, but you definitely lived it! You will be sorely missed by everyone you have left behind, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family... Gone, but never forgotten."

Anyone who saw the collision, or has any information, is asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 101.