Family pays tribute to motorcyclist who died in accident near Kingsclere

The family of a man who died in a collision on the B3051 near Frost Hill on June 16 have paid tribute to him.

A black Nissan Qashqai, a grey Skoda Fabia and a black Honda CBR motorcycle were travelling on the B3051 between Kingsclere and Overton when they collided at 6.06pm.

The motorcyclist, James East, 59, from Vernham Dean, Andover, died at the scene.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “James was a morning person. Like the sun, he rose early and spread warmth and happiness wherever he went.

“A smile here, a kind word there, always himself. Mild mannered, charming, good humoured, loving, honest and true.

“He was a skilled engineer. He transitioned from industrial pump manufacture to highly technical work, then to field service where his problem-solving abilities and disarming cheerfulness were highly valued and commented on.

“He loved to be outdoors, enjoying long walks, cycling, and quality time with his family. Interested in everything, music, history, aviation, politics, sport, nature – he could talk to anyone. He loved to make people smile.

“Taken from his family far too soon while enjoying the simple pleasure of a motorbike ride on a summer afternoon, he will be missed by friends and colleagues across the country, but particularly by his much-loved family.

“His wife and two treasured sons, whose lives are devastated. His mother, brother and sister also feel his loss keenly.

“James was our focal point. Our rock, our happiness, our role model. We cannot begin to imagine life without him. There is no more joy in our silent, colourless world.”

Hampshire Constabulary said it is continuing to investigate the incident and is appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with dash-cam footage of the collision.

If you can help, call 101 quoting reference number 44210236838.

Alternatively, you can phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.