Family pays tribute to elderly man who died following Saxmundham collision
86-year-old Ian Chatten has been described as a "funny and warm" man
Last updated 7th Jan 2026
Tributes have been paid to a man who died in a road traffic collision in Saxmundham last month.
Police were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision on the A12 just before 2pm on Thursday 4 December. It involved a grey Nissan Almera and a red Mazda at the junction with the B1119 Rendham Road.
The sole occupant of the Almera, 86-year-old Ian Chatten from Framlingham, sadly died at the scene.
Ian's family have released the following tribute:
“Ian Chatten, 86, Father to Sharon, Michael and Donna and Grandad to Lylia, Sophie and Eden.
“He was raised in Friston in Suffolk and after leaving school started a brief period of employment at Leiston Works before starting a brick laying apprenticeship which suited him much better. He went onto work across the country for West Homes and was proud to have been promoted to Construction Manager before becoming a self-employed general builder based in Suffolk. He was an excellent tradesman and had a great reputation for the quality of his work.
“Outside of work he had many interests. In his teens and early twenties he loved his motorbikes and spent many happy hours cruising the Suffolk roads on his beloved Triumph Bonneville. He was a lover of many sports and was a keen, competent golfer. He was an avid spectator of horse racing, football and motorsport. He also loved music. He was proud to have played rhythm guitar in the early years with local band “The Wild Oats” during the early 1960’s. He rekindled his interest in playing guitar in the 90’s and made many friends who played in bands thereafter. He performed with some local acts whilst in his 70’s.
“He could be funny and warm and loved a good chat. He will be greatly missed by the many who knew him.”
A man aged in his 30s who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving remains on bail while investigations continue.
Police are continuing their investigations and appealing for any potential witnesses of the collision to come forward.