Tributes paid to motorbike rider killed in crash (From Gazette Series)

Tributes paid to motorbike rider killed in crash

2:06pm Tuesday 7th October 2008 in

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a 22-year-old man from Thornbury who was killed in a motorbike accident.

Leo Urbanski died when the motorbike he was riding was in collision with a car last Friday, October 3, on the Old Gloucester Road near Earthcott Green.

In tribute to the former Castle School pupil a memorial has been set up in the town’s parish church St Mary’s, where friends and family have been gathering all week to remember Leo.

In a quiet corner of the church candles have been lit, music by Leo’s favourite band Jamiroquai has played, photographs of the keen biker have been laid out and a book of condolence has been left with messages from friends and family.

One anonymous message read: "Thank you for touching the lives and hearts of so many."

Another message, left by a friend called Neo, said: "You always saw the best in people. You made them laugh when sad, helped when they needed it."

Rev David Primrose, vicar of St Mary's Church, said: "It is so tragic when a promising young life comes to such a sudden end.

"From the response that I've already seen Leo was very much loved by his family and friends.

"We have set aside a corner of St Mary’s Church for friends of Leo to go and express their feelings and share their thoughts at this difficult time."

Police investigating the accident, which happened at 5pm last Friday on the Old Gloucester Road at its junction with Perrinpit Lane, are still appealing for any witnesses to the crash to come forward.

The road was closed until shortly before 9pm on Friday night to allow collision investigators from the police's road policing unit to carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

Anyone with information should contact the collision investigation unit on 0845 4567000.

The coroner was expected to open an inquest into Leo’s death later this week.