Singer Paul Hardcastle spoke to ‘lovely’ son Paul Jnr, 35, minutes before fatal crash

Paul Hardcastle has shared an emotional video revealing his last conversation with his son prior to his death in a motorcycle accident.

The British singer, 68, is best known for his song 19, which hit number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1985.

That same year, he married his wife, Dolores Baker, with the couple sharing three children, including British DJ and saxophonist Paul Hardcastle Jr., as well as singer Maxine Hardcastle.

Hardcastle shared the news last week that his son Paul Jr. had died at age 35.

The heartbroken father said that his son, who was a musician like his dad, was trying to get to his house to pick up a saxophone for a trip to Greece, having already missed a flight.

He revealed Paul Jr used a scrambler bike with a torch tied to the front to get home after his car was impounded two days earlier with a punctured tyre.

He said in the video: ‘He went like, “I’ll get back to you in five minutes.” He didn’t get back to me in five minutes.’

‘I’ve lost a lovely son, and he’s lost his life, and could have easily all been avoided,’ he added in a devastating admission.

He further urged others to think twice before making risky choices, saying: ‘You make decisions, and if you make the wrong ones, then these are the things that can happen to you.

‘So, anyone out there that’s thinking, “Oh, I’ll just do this. I’ll just do that.” It’s just not worth it.’

He continued: ‘Because when you get that knock on the door – and I felt sorry for the policeman, actually, there’s two of them, and they was nice. And they said, “Do you mind if we come in? We’ve got some news.” I said, “OK.” [They replied,] “We’re very, we’re very, very, very sorry to tell you that your son’s been involved in an accident and he’s passed away.”

‘When you hear that, wow, nothing’s worth doing it for. 

‘So anyone out there thinking along them lines, don’t bother. It’s just not worth it. Cancel the gig. Do something else. I don’t know, whatever you want to do, but don’t do that.’

While not wanting to tell people that ‘the odds are set against you’, he did argue that ‘the odds, when they come up, can be really brutal’.

‘So rest in peace, Paul Jr, love, Dad.’

The composer has been inundated with messages of condolence since sharing the raw and honest video, with @battleapproved commenting: ‘Extremely nice of you to explain and share the story with us of how this happened Paul. You’re very brave for doing so. 🙏’

‘Wow, such strength to tell this story and to spread awareness to everyone whilst doing so. What a gentleman. Really sorry for your loss, paul really was amazing and will always be remembered by so many❤️ 💫’, wrote @autumnharrison_.

‘No words for times like this, however, so many have got you all close in thoughts 🤍’, added @st_lasty.

The driver of the van was arrested in connection with the crash that resulted in Paul’s death and has been released under investigation.

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