"Generous, kind and quirky": Tributes paid to victim of Melton crash

One friend said: "There is going to be a moustache shaped hole in many people’s lives"

Owen Gardner
Author: Sian RochePublished 19th May 2023

A 29 year old man who died following a crash in Melton has been named by police, as his family pay tribute to him.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, officers have named him as Owen Gardner, of Woodbridge.

What happened?

Police were called by the Ambulance Service at 12.25am, to reports of an incident on the B1438 Melton Road, involving a grey Seat Ibiza and a pedestrian.

Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Owen died at the scene.

"Generous, kind and quirky"

Paying tribute to Owen, his family issued this statement: “Our wonderful son Owen Donal Gardner aged 29 died suddenly on Monday 8 May in his home town of Woodbridge.

“He will be truly missed by his parents Maura and Michael, his older brother and sister Philip and Ellen and nieces Alannah and Elizabeth.

“Owen was a pupil at St Mary’s CE Primary and Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge and made many lifelong friends from his school days.

"He touched the lives of so many"

“We are overwhelmed at the messages and tributes we have received. He was loved by all who met him and has been described as generous, kind and quirky with an infectious smile and laugh. He touched the lives of so many and would brighten up a room.

"‘There is going to be a moustache shaped hole in many people’s lives’, said a very close friend.

“We would like to thank the two members of the public who were first at the scene, the police, the ambulance and air ambulance service who attended to Owen.”

Appeal

Officers are still appealing for witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

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