8:30am Thursday 2nd September 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
TRIBUTES have been paid to an 18-year-old mechanic from Tockington who was killed in a road accident at the weekend.
Jack Isaac Meachin died on Bank Holiday Monday after the Suzuki motorbike he was riding crashed on a road in South Wales.
In a statement his family said: "Jack was a very gentle, funny and kind young man. He enjoyed life to the full and could bring a smile to anyone's face.
"He was happy in his job and loved spending his spare time on his motocross bike or with his many friends.
"Jack has left a huge empty space in our lives and we'll love and miss him forever."
Jack, believed to be the youngest of three children, was a former Marlwood School pupil but had left school to become an apprentice mechanic at Elberton Garage.
Staff at the garage said they were shocked and saddened by the news, and were still coming to terms with Jack's sudden death.
Jack was also a motocross enthusiast. He was a member of Uley Motocross Club and was an expert in the MX2 class competing in many local motocross competitions.
Since Jack's death on Monday more than 400 friends have joined a special tribute page that has been set up on the social networking site Facebook.
Sophie McGauley said: "You were a fab person, sleep tight. You will always be missed. RIP Jack xx"
Hannah Ravenhill wrote: "You will always be in out hearts Jack. Gonna miss that cheeky smile."
Kez Gowen said: "RIP babe you are missed dearly and loved dearly. MX won't be the same without you kicking butt. See you again."
According to Gwent Police Jack's bike was in collision with a Volvo towing a caravan on the B4235 Shirenewton, near to Chepstow at 12.10pm on Monday, August 30.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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