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10th December 2012
Posted by Gateway 97.8
The wife of a motorcyclist killed in a road crash in Basildon has today (Monday) paid tribute to him as police renewed their appeal for witnesses.
The collision happened when a red Suzuki motorcycle and a white lorry struck each other on the eastbound carriageway of the A127 near the Mayflower Retail Park shortly after 6:30am on Tuesday, December 4.
The rider, 43-year-old Chris Simpson from Seaview Drive in Great Wakering, was certified dead at the scene. The lorry driver was uninjured.
In a statement, Chris’ wife, Vicki Simpson, said: “My husband Chris was taken tragically from us while riding his motorbike on his way to work. He was only trying to get to work to support his family. Our family has been ripped to shreds by losing Chris in such a cruel and tragic way. His journey to work in Harlow was something he had done everyday for nearly a year, and he would always phone me to let me know he had got there safely. On Tuesday morning I never got my phone call.
“He was the life and soul of our house; always happy, always with a cheeky grin on his face and always charming everyone he met. He loved life.
“He leaves behind his daughter Stephanie who he absolutely adored and Stephanie idolised him. Also my nine-year-old daughter Chloe who Chris treated as his own and Chloe in return loved Chris to the extreme. My three grown-up sons Ricky, Andy and Gary are absolutely distraught. Chris was not only like a dad to them, but he was just one of the lads too; always playing pranks on each other always play-fighting or arm-wrestling! They were all best friends, just my four boys together.
Chris Simpson leaves behind his 11-year-old daughter Stephanie, his wife’s nine-year-old daughter Chloe and her three grown-up children, Ricky, Andy and Gary.
“Chris’s parents Jill and Steve and his brother David and family have been such a support for us all even through their own grief and we would like to thank them not only for all they have done for us but also for giving us Chris.
“His loss has affected so many people, not only family but also friends and colleagues, it has left a gap in everyone’s lives.
I cannot begin to describe how devastated I am at losing Chris. He was my soul mate and my best friend all rolled into one. He was an amazing man, funny, kind and extremely loving. We shall all miss him terribly, but he will always remain in our hearts and memories forever and always.”
Anyone with information in connection with this fatal road crash is urged to contact Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email them at [email protected]