A 29-year-old firefighter and sportsman died after crashing his motorcycle into the sidewalk in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Kevin Mooney of Southampton — who fought back from serious head injuries after a similar accident six years ago — lost control of his bike on Middle Road, Warwick, near its junction with Longford Road, at about 12.50 a.m.

Mr. Mooney, the son of former Police Chief Inspector Charles Mooney, was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to head injuries.

Devastated Fire Service colleagues and footballing teammates yesterday paid tribute to 'Moondog', the man said to have a smile which could cheer you up on a bad day.

A huge supporter of Scottish football team Celtic like his father, he had been preparing to fly out to the UK to watch a football match with two firefighter friends this week.

"Kevin wouldn't let anyone around him have a bad day which makes today so sad," said Manny Faria, president of Mr. Mooney's Commercial League team Tuff Dogs and a long-time friend.

"Kevin had an infectious smile that made an impact on anyone he met. His smile was always enough to cheer you up on a bad day.

"Everyone he knew has a heavy heart today but there is still room for a smile as we remember his smile."

Mr. Faria said he had known Mr. Mooney since he was a teenager who played basketball for MSA.

"He was the star of the league but always maintained a calm and humble demeanour on the court," he said.

"He went on to play a big part of Tuff Dogs when we started years ago. He played a major role on our basketball, football and volleyball teams. He was an eager competitor and led his teammates by example despite being the youngest player on the team.

"Kevin's true love was Celtic Football Club. He had a passion for them which he spread to his friends. He often had many of his friends wearing Celtic jerseys and following the team. Celtic have millions of fans worldwide but today they lost their biggest fan.

"It's a sad day for the Tuff Dog family. We are a tight-knit group and many of us are struggling to cope with our loss. There's a lot of support for one another and together we will pull through this difficult time.

"Many of us have gathered today to share our love and memories of Kevin. We have all shared laughs and tears together as we remember him. He was affectionately known as 'Moondog' in our circle.

"We will now retire the number 11 jersey which Kevin wore with so much pride. Moondog could never be replaced and we will cherish the impact and joy he has brought to all of our lives. He will be sorely missed by all of us."

Teammate Chris Rodrigues added: "RIP Moon. There's only one Moondog. You will truly be missed. A true best friend."

Mr. Mooney worked at both Port Royal fire station and the service headquarters. He had been in the service for about five years.

Mark Ray, who worked alongside Mr. Mooney, described him as an easy-going guy who laughed all the time."He will definitely be missed, that's for sure," said Mr.Ray. "He was always joking around and good for a laugh."Chief Fire Officer Vincent Hollinsid said:"He was an excellent employee, a very well-liked individual and professional officer. The service is just devastated as a result of his untimely death."They have taken it quite rough. Most of them are devastated. He became very, very close with individuals."Friends said Mr. Mooney's parents were too upset to speak when The Royal Gazette approached the family home yesterday.In an accident in summer 2003, Mr. Mooney crashed head-on into a six-seater taxi on South Shore Road, Paget, near Elbow Beach.He was taken unconscious to the Intensive Care Unit of KEMH, where he made a recovery.Yesterday's accident, the second fatality on Bermuda's roads in 2009, happened only about a mile from the spot on Middle Road where Police Commissioner George Jackson's son Andrew was killed in an accident shortly before last Christmas.In a brief statement yesterday, Bermuda Police Service extended its sincere condolences to Charles Mooney and his family and friends.Shawnette Outerbridge, vice president of ROLO (Remembering OurLoved Ones), said in a statement: "Our hearts are saddened to learn that we have had another fatality on Bermuda's roads. We would like to extend our sincerest and deepest condolences to the Mooney family on the untimely loss of Kevin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time."Anyone with information about the accident or who may have seen the victim prior to it should call the Roads Policing Unit on 295-0011.