Twinstead fatal crash: Family tribute to Andy Rayner
Essex Police were called to reports of a crash between a motorcycle and a box van on the A131 at Twinstead just before 10.40am on Saturday, February 3.
Emergency services rushed to the incident, but the motorcyclist died at the scene.
Police officers have now named the man as 44-year-old Andy Rayner.
His family released a statement paying tribute following the tragic incident earlier this month.[1]
They said: “Andy was dearly loved by Rachel, his fiancée, and was a loving father, brother and son.
"His warmth and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him.
“Andy, who truly loved his motorcycles, was a big part of the Essex Biker Meet Up Group and his presence will be deeply missed.
“All the family members and friends will miss Andy very much.”
Incident - emergency services at the scene in the A131 in Twinstead (Image: Callum Ratcliffe-Bingham)
The driver of the van, a 29-year-old man from Enfield, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has been released under investigation.
A fundraiser has been launched[2] on behalf of the Essex Biker Meet Up Group by Ben Collins.
It reads: "Andy passed away doing what he loved, riding.
"He admired the biking community.
"He was forever active in organising rides and bringing people together over their love of our two-wheeled machines.
"Our community will never be the same without him."
More than £3,000 has been raised so far.
The tragic incident was one of two fatal incidents which occurred that day.
Essex Police said a silver Ford Fiesta was in collision with a tree in Sudbury Road near Bulmer at about 11.15pm[3].
Sadly, the driver – a 17-year-old male – died at the scene.
The driver was later named as Sam Parsons[4], who played for the under-18s at Cornard United Football Club.
Tragic - Sam Parsons died in a separate incident later the same day (Image: Cornard United FC)
Club chairman Tom Clark said: "It is a complete shock. Sam was part of our under-18s team so with the age of all the lads it has come as quite a bit of a shock to them.
"His dad Jem managed the team as well and they have both been involved in the team for a long, long time.
"Obviously it is awful news that nobody ever wants to hear. It is heartbreaking."
He said the teenager was a "stalwart" member of the team who was dedicated to football.
References
- ^ the tragic incident earlier this month. (www.halsteadgazette.co.uk)
- ^ A fundraiser has been launched (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ Essex Police said a silver Ford Fiesta was in collision with a tree in Sudbury Road near Bulmer at about 11.15pm (www.halsteadgazette.co.uk)
- ^ The driver was later named as Sam Parsons (www.halsteadgazette.co.uk)