[Malc]

I had the bearings in the bevel and paralever replaced a couple of months ago.

I'd stopped at the dealer to for a social call (I ride off road with a couple of chaps who work there). One of the mechanics was looking at the bike and noticed more play than usual in the rear wheel. He put the bike on the bench and drained the oil from the bevel box, lots of swarf came out as well. When stripped down the paralever bearing had collapsed and the bevel bearing was very close to failure. Had it failed then the wheel would have locked solid - which maybe what happened to your friend.