Tributes to Chichester sailor killed in collision in Cornwall
The crash happened close to LAET Daniel Cox's Royal Navy base
Tributes have been paid to a Chichester sailor who died in a collision close to his Royal Navy base in Cornwall.
Leading air engineering technician (LAET) Daniel 'Coxy' Cox, who was 24, was one of two men who lost their lives in the crash on the A3083 near RNAS Culdrose in Helston on December 7th.
23-year-old LAET Callum 'Gilly Gilbert', who served alongside Daniel in 820 Naval Air Squadron, was also killed in the collision between a black Ford Fiesta and a grey BMW.
The commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, Captain Stuart Irwin, said:
“We are all deeply saddened by the deaths of two of our people. First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones who have been affected by this tragic event.
“These were two bright young aircraft engineers who had already achieved so much and served with distinction.
“At 820 Naval Air Squadron, across RNAS Culdrose, and in the wider community here in west Cornwall – we are all coming to terms with their loss.”
Both had completed their training to leading hand earlier this year, also at RNAS Culdrose on the training unit 824 Naval Air Squadron.
As leading air engineers, they were part of the close-knit team which maintains and repairs the squadron’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters.
Warrant Officer Steven Hughes, the senior maintenance rating on 820 Naval Air Squadron, said their loss had been keenly felt by all on the squadron, but particularly among the engineers.
He praised LAET Cox for his commitment to his work, saying:
"He loved his family and he loved his work. He was so enthusiastic. That’s my lasting memory of him.
“Every morning he’d be in my office asking: ‘what time are we doing rounds?’ and I’d think: I haven’t even had a cup of tea yet and he wants to get out and start work.”
LAET Devann Solomon added:
"Coxy was really lovely, always smiling, professional and friendly. He was always talking about his family and used to do school runs for his little sisters. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
LAET Cox’s family said: “Dan was an outstanding son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin who was devoted to his family.
“Over his years living in the Felpham, Middleton and Chichester areas we have all been exceptionally proud of the endless talents he displayed, his many achievements and positive attitude to life.
“He was a talented musician, keen outdoorsman, swimmer and cliff-jumper, a qualified engineer and avid car enthusiast.
“He had a ‘can do’ attitude to all physical and technical challenges, trying his utmost and always achieving.
“He studied at Bishop Tufnell, Felpham Community College, Chichester College and Shoreham Technical College.
“All levels of the local scouting association were hugely instrumental in his outdoor, sporting and hiking achievements.
“He particularly loved water sports and mountain biking. Having completed his bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Sadly, he was only the residential section away from completing his gold.
“Like many local students with an affinity for the sea and swimming, he was employed as a part-time lifeguard at Butlin’s and Arun Leisure Centre.
“He then worked briefly for PMA as a driver before finally joining the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy.
“He graduated from HMS Raleigh in 2019 and subsequently HMS Sultan and HMS Collingwood.
“His wide circle of amazing, young friends are all shocked at this news and much suffering his loss.
“Our special thanks must go out to the Royal Navy for their unbounded support and care given to our family at this traumatic time.
“Like his, our lives have been shattered and will never be the same again.
“Dan was a truly special multi-talented young man, taken from us far too soon, both loved and deeply missed by so many.”