Stories of road crash victims

Died aged 24, greatly missed.

(by Angie, Adam’s mum)

Alice, our love, forever nine.

(by Clare, Alice’s mum)

For Amy Cooper, killed by a dangerous driver at 20 years old. The world without you has a hole that cannot be filled.

(by Sam, Amy’s sister)

Amy was a much-loved daughter, sister and auntie, who was fiercely loyal to her family and friends.  She had an infectious sense of humour and an ability to find joy in life’s simplest moments.  With Amy, there was never a dull moment; her unintentionally funny remarks often had us doubled over in laughter.  In the last few years of her life, Amy faced personal struggles, but she always faced these with courage and an amazing strength of spirit.  She was an inspiration to those she knew.  Amy lived her life with true selflessness, always putting others before herself.  Amy’s life was tragically taken in a road traffic collision in July 2017, she was 22 years old. Her memory and the love we shared will forever be with us.

(by Ryan, Amy’s brother)

Annette was beautiful – inside and out.  When she walked into our work canteen way back in 1989 I was immediately smitten.  A strong relationship developed between us and we loved and supported each other no matter what, creating a strong family unit with our two sons.  That said, it took me many years to find the courage to ask her to marry me – and when she did it was the best day of my life.  Annette suffered a series of health issues, but was always determined to fight back – her resilience and strong, loving nature shining through.  In 2018 we received the news that we were to become grandparents for the first time, we were so happy that we danced around our kitchen.  We knew our expectant grandchild was a girl and Annette was just so, so happy.

In September 2018, Annette and I were stood at a bus stop when we heard and saw a car flying through the air – the driver crashing it into the bus stop where we were stood.  The next thing I knew a crowd had gathered around us and there were blue lights.  Annette was taken to hospital but her injuries were catastrophic and she couldn’t be saved.  The driver was eventually found to be guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.  Annette missed meeting our granddaughter by days.

 Annette is so missed – a wonderful wife, mum, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, cousin and friend.

(by Steve, Annette's husband)

Baz was the love of my life and over decades we made a beautiful home together. He was a hard-working man who loved his life, family and friends. Baz was charming and had a cheeky sense of humour. He loved music and supported Liverpool football team his whole life. He worked hard and played hard, holidaying around the world. We enjoyed days out together on his motorbikes. In his spare time he created a beautiful garden where he attracted wild green parakeets. He was a very generous man who loved throwing huge parties - he was the king of his BBQ and always welcomed everyone with a massive bear hug and his incredible smile. 

One evening he never arrived home from work - I knew instantly in my heart I'd lost him. Politicians had been campaigning about a local road being dangerous with a new bollard set up; this was the very spot where Baz slipped under the wheels of a 41 ton lorry on his motorbike. He was killed instantly. I will never come to terms with such a wonderful man dying such a violent death on our roads - so public, yet so alone. I just wanted to hold him, to be with him, my heart remains broken. 

Baz is missed among family, friends, his siblings, grandchildren and work colleagues. He is missed beyond words in our beautiful home we created together. No-one ever expects their loved one to leave for work and never return. Baz was just 61 years old and was about to retire so we could enjoy the rest of our years travelling together. With the help of RoadPeace I am beginning to rebuild my life.

(by Diane, Baz’s partner)

Dawn was a happy, 36 year old mother, having had her first child, Clara.  Clara was the most precious thing in Dawn’s life, and was just 10 months old when Dawn was killed. Dawn was always full of fun with a great sense of humour. She loved animals and had 3 cats, 2 dogs, a snake, 2 rats and a horse. She especially enjoyed riding and even enjoyed mucking out the horses. Dawn and her mum, Glo, were both killed on 10^th May 2015 when Dawn’s fiancé drove the car we were all in across the road in front of a motorcycle, killing the 55 year old motorcyclist as well.

(by Colin, Dawn's dad)

Gloria, or ‘Glo’ as most people called her (except for her Mum, best friend and me, when I was unhappy with her), was an extremely brave person. She started to get arthritis when she was about 35 and had a hip and two knees replaced within 18 months when she was 50. She tried to carry on as normal no matter how much pain she was in. She hid her pain very well, and I only realised how much pain she was in when it was really bad. She had a great sense of humour and was loved by everyone. She was very proud of her family, especially her youngest grandchild, Clara. Glo was 65 and we had been married almost 43 years when she and our only daughter, Dawn, were both killed in a road traffic collision.

(by Colin, Glo's husband)

It only took meeting him once to remember him forever.

Dragos was a positive and outgoing character. He would light up any room with his presence. He could chat for hours with people and did everything he could to support his family and friends when in need. Dragos is and always will be my best friend and my soul-mate. We had a strong connection right from the start and it did not take long until I knew he was the man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with. I didn't get the rest of my life, but I got the rest of his. Our time together and the happiness we shared together was cut short in August 2022 when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a tractor. I lost my husband, my best friend, my soul-mate, my everything. But, I find comfort in the knowledge that he loves me to no end. 

(by Ioana, Dragos' wife)

Hopton Gayle was my dad – he was a man of few words but always had a smile on his face. When I was growing up he worked a lot, but when his grandchildren arrived he was no longer only my dad, he was grandad. This meant he spoilt the grandchildren with everything and anything  they wanted, even getting up early to take them to the beach or to play bowling in the arcade. He was a man that worked very hard for his children and loved to play with his grandchildren. In February 2018, everything changed.  My dad was on a pelican crossing when he was killed by an uninsured, speeding driver.  Now I have grandchildren of my own I try to do as my dad did and spoil them.  To this day, I still talk to my dad and I miss him loads.

(by Mandy, Hopton's daughter)

Hugh was a Senior Charge Nurse at Russells Hall Hospital. He loved his job - caring for patients and helping to save lives. He was funny, kind and loyal to family and friends. He was a treasured, much-loved son and father. Eight years ago Hugh was riding his motorbike to work when a van driver drove into him. Hugh died at the scene. He was 50 years old. The van driver eventually pleaded guilty at crown court. Grief does not have a time limit. We miss him…

(by Diane and Elwyn, Hugh’s parents)

21st October 1989 - Our beautiful girl born. x

25th June 2004 - Our Beautiful angel gained her wings. x

In all our yesterdays, todays and tomorrows - we remember our beautiful Jade 'with so much love'. x

(by Karen, Jade’s mum)

Forever 17.

James was a sporty and fit young man, he ran for the Birchfield Harriers and was a big Aston Villa fan. He was an only son and the baby of our family. James had the most piercing blue eyes and an infectious laugh - he was popular in his peer group, funny and very sociable. James liked rap and enjoyed seeing his idols at live events. 

He passed his driving test the first time. Just six weeks later on a beautiful, sunny afternoon in June, he was driving his car with 3 other teenage passengers. He drove along a local country lane when he became distracted and lost control of his car. His car left the road and flipped, it crashed through a fence and into some trees making this a difficult scene for the emergency services. James was pronounced dead in hospital. The crash scene was in the news, showing the wrecked vehicle. His loss was felt deeply within the community. At his memorial his friends wore football shirts and bright colours. His parents, sister, family and friends remain devastated by his loss.

(by Natty, James’ cousin)

07/04/64 - 26/02/22

A kind, beautiful soul killed by a driver in a stolen car who was being pursued by the police. The driver reached speeds of 130mph and, in a bid to escape, he entered a closed lane and collided with Kevin’s car. Kevin was killed instantly. The driver was sentenced to 9 years in prison on 20/10/23. Kevin is much loved and missed by me, his two stepsons, five grandchildren, brother, sisters and friends. There isn’t a day that his absence is not felt deeply and painfully.

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure, Kev.

xxx

(by Julie, Kevin's wife)

Lee was an adrenaline junky who loved to enjoy life to the fullest. Lee loved the outdoors - his beloved motorbike, mountain bike and any outdoor activities. Lee was very popular with his friends and always enjoyed going out clubbing, socialising and having fun. From a young age Lee followed in his dad’s footsteps and supported Aston Villa. Lee had many different tastes in music, and many hairstyles (at times our family was entertained by his choices). Lee lost his life on the 3rd August 2019, aged 26, after being hit head-on by a distracted driver. Lee is so dearly loved and missed by all his family.

(by Emma, Lee's mum)

Lily-May was beautiful inside and out, she lit up every room that she entered and it felt amazing to be in her presence. She had a wonderful, happy personality, was charismatic and loved beyond words by all who knew her. Lily-May adored spending time with her family and friends and being outside in nature. She was inseparable from her beloved dog, Sadie, and they had many brilliant adventures together. Lily-May had a thirst for life and enjoyed rollercoasters, beaches and her car body work college course. She seemed to have a ‘charmed touch’, a ‘tenderness of heart’, because animals were captivated by her. She was kind, full of positivity and so much fun. Lily-May was just 17 when she was tragically killed in a car crash in February 2023. The world has lost a truly remarkable daughter, big sister, and faithful friend. We are grateful for the precious memories we got to make with her and will treasure them forever.

(by Leanne, Lily-May’s mum)

Martyn was a real live-life-to-the-full character. He loved football and cycling; Martyn completed the Iron Man event and took part in Paris Brest Paris, cycling 720 miles in 3 days. More than anything, Martyn loved his family and friends and a really good party - his drink of choice being spiced rum and coke. Martyn was killed by a driver using their mobile phone in November 2020. There is a huge Martyn shaped hole left in our lives.

(by Diane, Martyn's wife)

Charismatic, charming, fun and adventurous. A devoted and loving husband, dad and grandad. Loved by all who knew him and desperately missed every day.

(by Stacey, Mick’s daughter)

The best way to describe Molly is ‘sunshine personified’. She was the girl who radiated love and light, the least judgemental person with the biggest heart. She was always the one you could go to and was a solid support for her friends and family, fiercely loyal, with the best morals. Molly’s biggest passions were baking and painting, both of which she was extraordinary at, but very modest. Molly also cared a lot for her nephew who has autism, she was always a safe space for him and would babysit at any given chance. Molly was killed as a passenger by an uninsured, unlicensed driver who was under the influence of drink and drugs in November 2022. She was 19 years old. The unnecessary and premature loss of Molly meant the world stopped spinning as it once did and she will be missed forever and a day.

(by Abbie, Molly's sister)

Paige was the most beautiful young woman, inside and out. Always smiling and laughing, having fun. I don’t know anyone who had a bad word to say about her. She loved life, she had so many plans and dreams, and was looking forward to her future. Paige was very successful in her work as a nail technician and in car sales. I was such a proud mom. She worked extremely hard so she could have nice things and holiday abroad. She was very social and loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved a rave. Paige had a heart of gold and would always encourage others, building people up and offering advice. On 17th October 2021, Paige was killed – she was just 22 years of age. Paige was a passenger in a car being driven by a reckless and speeding driver through the Liverpool tunnel. She’s so, so missed and loved. It’s still so unbelievable. Myself, Tyler (Paige’s brother), family and friends now live with this unbearable pain and loss every single day. We are forever heartbroken. 

(by Clare, Paige's mum)

Paul was born in 1977. He had spina bifida. He never let his disability define who he was. He did well at school, he then worked for the Ministry of Defence as well as Sainsbury's (part time). He was well liked by so many people, he was sociable and enjoyed many nights playing in his pool or crib team. He loved helping people, and he especially liked supporting the elderly and children in equal measures. Paul was a victim of a car crash where the other driver was charged and convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in March 2005.

(by Mandy, Paul’s sister)

Paul was born in 1975, he was a wonderful son, he was always there for his friends and loved to play football and cricket.  As he grew up his goal was to save to buy a red car.  He was in a road traffic collision on 21^st November 1993 and died two days later, aged 18.  Paul’s death devastated his family, friends and community – including his best friend Peter Price.  Tragically, 21 years later, Peter was also killed in a road traffic collision.  Paul was an organ donor so carried on helping others after his death.  He is always remembered and always missed.

(by Jean, Paul's mum)

Peter was truly a unique character.  He worked incredibly hard but loved to have fun, he was always at the centre of his friendship group.  He was a huge horse racing fan, supporter of Birmingham City Football Club and enjoyed swimming.  He would often leave people voicemails singing Neil Diamond songs.  Peter also cared for his brother, who has learning disabilities and lives in care – visiting him every weekend without fail.  Peter was killed by an uninsured, speeding, hit-and-run driver in November 2014.  With his death the world was robbed of a son, a wonderful big brother, a loyal friend and a person who always brought so much laughter.

(by Lucy, Peter's sister)

Rebecca meant so much to so many people. A beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend. A talented writer and musician, an aspiring poet who was thrilled to have had some of her work published. Whether you were close to her or a passing acquaintance, Rebecca made an impression on everyone she met, she had the kindest heart. She had her own individual style, she was truly unique - funny, serious, intelligent, beautiful inside and out and incredibly creative.

Rebecca was killed by a drunk, speeding driver on 31st May 2014 - her loss was devastating. She was the light in a world that is now so much darker.

(by Cathy, Rebecca’s mum)

Reece Beesley was my youngest son, born on 15^th August 1999, younger brother to Callum. Reece was a sweet natured, generous, thoughtful person who had a fantastic sense of humour. He was dyslexic and also had Asperger’s. This added to his uniqueness and caused him many challenges in learning and friendships. However, through his determination he found a way to overcome this and he was incredibly intelligent and he became very popular.

Reece had unique and special relationships with our dogs and any pets we had. Reece and I had a rabbit between us. We used to occasionally let the rabbit out of his run to have a bounce around our garden, however, I told Reece never to let him out whilst the dogs were around. They were English Pointers, a working breed of dog with natural instincts. Somehow Reece knew better and the rabbit and dogs actually became friends. Reece could get the rabbit back into his hutch whereas he used to tease me bouncing around uncaptured for ages.

Reece passed away in a road traffic collision on 2^nd April 2019. It was through my loss that I gained support and I now have a wonderful extended family of other RoadPeace members. They have also suffered traumatic losses and we are comforted by not being alone in our grief.

I have so many fantastic and wonderful memories of Reece. We were lucky enough to travel quite a bit. On one of our adventures to Disney World, as a young man, he was pooed on by a bird and only consoled when I brought him a massive pickle on a stick. As I sit here struggling to know what to write by way of a tribute to Reece I can look at my noticeboard next to me and look at the sign he brought me that simply says ‘I love that you’re my mum’.

(by Dee, Reece’s mum)

Dad was a devoted husband to Ruby and a family man. He loved family gatherings, days out gardening, fishing and having a fuss made of him. He was kind, thoughtful, full of mischievous fun and loved by all that knew him.

On 7th June 2014, our world stopped suddenly when dad crossed over a road and was involved in a horrific collision.  Dad was hit by a driver showing off in his one-day-old powerful car, dangerously and aggressively driving at speed, showing no regard to other road users. Dad did not stand a chance against this weapon of a car - he remained in the Intensive Care Unit for 21 days and although dad had served in World War 2 and been a prisoner of war, his body was unable to survive this fight.

Dad passed away in my arms on 30th June 2014, leaving a massive hole in all our lives. He was and always will be my hero, simply our dad.

(by Susan, Reginald’s daughter)

Robert Bown, age 33, he was such a generous man, so full of life, who didn’t deserve to die on the road.

(by Rachael, Robert’s sister)

Steve…the most kindest, gentlest and cleverest soul.

xxx

(by Abi, Steve’s partner)

Tomasz enjoyed life, he loved travelling and spending time with his family. He enjoyed creating new things from Lego with his children, Evie and Max. We miss him so much. It is so hard to live without him.

Tomasz - you will always stay in our memory and heart.

(by Agata, Tomasz’s wife)

10^th February 1961 – 17^th December 2020

Tony  Akpeki was a lovely husband, brother, dad and uncle.  While millions of people were running away from danger for the wellbeing of others,  he served as a special constable and as a union representative in the civil service. The night he was killed he was collecting COVID samples from a care home in Dover. A joyful, humorous man, he brought smiles to the faces of others. He had just wished the care home workers  a Merry Christmas. A few minutes later he was left to die on a dark winter night, all alone.  Tony’s motivation was uplifting people of low income and raising awareness to promote good health. His gravestone mentions ‘friend to all’ - and he was. He was truly  special. Our hearts are broken following his tragic killing by a drug-addicted hit-and-run driver. He shall be forever remembered in our lives and live in our hearts.

(by Tesse, Tony’s sister)

Tony was killed on the 16^th May 2017, in a head-on collision caused by the other driver crossing double white lines. He leaves an enormous chasm in the lives of all who knew and loved him. Our lives will never be the same again and we miss him so very much.

Tony was a man of integrity who had an amazing thirst for knowledge and a sharp sense of humour. If he wasn’t walking his dog, he was doing a cryptic crossword, reading the racing times or researching the ancestry of well-known race horses. Tony also loved football, playing for many years. He was always happy meeting with friends, talking about football or horse racing and having a pint in his hand.

Tony enjoyed trips to places of historical value with a like-minded friend. Sadly, it was on one of these trips he lost the life he should still have been able to live. Tony was an incredible artist, painting and drawing many subjects over the years. He wrote some lovely poetry in our early years together which was special to both of us. Most of all he loved his family and delighted in planning family holidays and outings we would share together. Tony was popular with all who knew him and the void left following his death will never be filled.

(by Lesley, Tony’s wife)