Tribute to man killed in Sudbury crash as Essex man arrested

Ian Simpson, 77, from Hartest, Suffolk, died in hospital on May 24 following a collision on the A134 near Sudbury on May 5. The crash, which involved a white Peugeot Expert van, took place at the staggered junction with Mills Lane at around 2.30pm. In a statement, Mr Simpson's family said: "On Tuesday 5 May, my wonderful husband Ian was involved in a collision with a van while riding his bike on the A134 towards Long Melford and airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital with severe head injuries.

"Sadly he never regained consciousness and passed away on Sunday 24 May[1]." The family described Mr Simpson as a "confident, intelligent, fit, and healthy man" with 30 years of cycling experience. He cycled between 50 and 150 miles each week and taught Bikeability classes at schools across Suffolk.

He was also training for a 240-mile charity ride in support of motor neurone disease. Mr Simpson was an avid sports fan and his greatest passion was his beloved Sunderland football team and the Outliers cycling group. His family said: "He was a funny, kind and caring man who loved his family and friends so much."

He was also an active member of the community, involved with the Hartest Fete Committee, organising quizzes in support of the local school, and playing Father Christmas for the local school each year. The family said: "Ian leaves a wife, a son, three stepchildren and 10 grandchildren. "The family are devastated and heartbroken at this sudden loss.

"RIP Ian Simpson." A 41-year-old man from Canvey was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug-driving and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre. He was later released under investigation pending the outcome of blood tests.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses, particularly motorists with dashcam footage who were in the area around the time of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference 37/25521/26.

References

1. ^ passed away on Sunday 24 May (www.echo-news.co.uk)