Tributes paid to cyclist who died following collision in Bentley

Ben Jacobs and his wife Faye. Photo: Jacobs family.

Tributes have been paid to a man who died following a road traffic collision in Bentley who was hailed as a “diligent and warm-hearted person” with “a fantastic sense of humour”.

Police were called at around 7pm on Wednesday, May 17, to reports of a collision involving a car and two male cyclists just off the A137 on Church Road.

One of the cyclists was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where he sadly died on Friday, May 19. The other cyclist sustained minor injuries.

Subject to confirmation at formal inquest proceedings, the deceased has been identified as Benjamin (Ben) Jacobs, 47, of Rushmere St Andrew.

Ben’s family has asked Suffolk Constabulary to issue a tribute on their behalf.

Ben’s wife Faye said: “We were childhood sweethearts. I met Ben when I was 15 and from that day forward were inseparable.

“Ben was a brilliant husband who always made me laugh and feel safe, I will forever be lost without him.

“Ben loved being a dad, was always supportive, and took his responsibilities very seriously. He made all my worries go away and he will forever be missed.”

His daughter Holly shared a tribute on behalf of herself and her sister Olivia.

She said: “Olivia will miss all the great moments they spent together, whether it was watching the football or going on long walks with the family.

“Our lives feel very quiet and miserable without him present and we all will miss his laugh and energy most of all.

“We would all like to give our much appreciated thanks to everyone who donated to the fund Steve Harding set up at a time when money is scarce. Every penny will be spent with dad in mind to give him the send-off he rightfully deserves.”

Ben’s son Tom said: “My father was such a diligent and warm-hearted person to everyone it is difficult to add qualities that the many people who looked up to him haven’t already mentioned.

“As his son, I always admired his ability to remain open-minded and sympathetic even during challenging times that tested his patience. He always had a fantastic sense of humour yet knew when to behave earnestly when myself and my family depended on him.

“Similarly, as an athlete, he shared copious adventures with his friends but always left plenty of time to spend with his family. Thanks for being a caring and influential father and phenomenal friend.”

Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the collision and are also asking any motorists driving in the area at the time with a dashcam in their vehicle to review the footage for any material that may be of assistance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads and Armed Policing Team, quoting reference 351 of 17 May 2023, via:

Website – www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/existing-report-update

Email – SCIU@suffolk.pnn.police.uk

Phone – Call 101.

 

 

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