Retired Essex police officer named as victim of Suffolk crash
His family have paid tribute
Police were called to a crash involving a cyclist and a lorry on Kirton Road at the roundabout with the junction of the A14 eastbound slip-off on Thursday 26th November.
The cyclist was flown to Addenbrooke's Hospital by air ambulance with serious injuries - he died in hospital on Sunday 29th November.
Police say subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the cyclist has been named as Andrew Richard Down, who was 69 and from Felixstowe.
Andrew's family has been paying tribute to the former Essex police officer:
"Andrew Down had a passion for life like no other, he was the fittest 69-year-old Grandad you are likely to have met, cycling through the villages and coastline surrounding Felixstowe.
"He served as a police officer with Essex Police for 30 years, beginning as a cadet at Hendon, spending 24 years as a detective and retiring as a Chief Inspector.
"This wonderful, loud, gregarious character continued to support people and work within his community after he retired.
"He was heavily involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, taking young people from schools in Suffolk and Norfolk on camping expeditions and sharing his love for the outdoors.
"In his younger days he was an excellent long-distance runner participating in many marathons and running with a team from John o’ Groats to Land’s End to raise money for Children in Need. He was also an avid supporter of the England Rugby team.
"A keen mountaineer, Andrew spent the last decade climbing mountains across the world from New Zealand to Argentina and cycling across Europe. He ran a local rambling group, organised walking weekends and volunteered to mentor young people in Felixstowe coming out of the care system.
"He was an inspiration to all those that knew and loved him, his final act of generosity was the gift of life to others having registered as an organ donor. His loving partner and family couldn’t have been prouder to ensure these wishes were met.
"Andrew meant so much to many, he spent his life bringing people together and he will be greatly missed.
"The family wish to extend their gratitude to the Emergency Services, in particular the Air Ambulance and staff at NCCU Addenbrooke’s Hospital for their care and support."
Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the crash which happened at around 10.45am, including anyone with dashcam footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit quoting reference: CAD 98 or 26 November.