Tribute paid to cyclist who died following road traffic collision in Sudbury
A family tribute has been issued to a cyclist who died in hospital following a road traffic collision in Sudbury last month saying he was a “funny, kind and caring man who loved his family and friends so much” and was deeply involved with life in his home village of Hartest.
Police were called at 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 5, to reports of a collision involving a bicycle and a white Peugeot Expert van, on the A134 at the staggered junction with Mills Lane.
The cyclist – who has been identified as Ian Simpson (pictured above), aged 77, from Hartest – was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, for treatment where he sadly died on Sunday, May 24.
Mr Simpson’s family issued the following tribute on their behalf saying: “On Tuesday, May 5, my wonderful husband Ian was involved in a collision with a van while riding his bike on the A134 towards Long Melford and airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with severe head injuries.
“Sadly he never regained consciousness and passed away on Sunday, May 24.
“Ian was a confident, intelligent, fit, and healthy man. He had 30 years cycling experience, covering 50-150 miles a week, and had taught ‘Bikeability’ at schools around Suffolk.
“He was in training to do a 24-hour, 240-mile charity ride in support of MND which a close friend had recently been diagnosed with.
“Ian was an avid sports fan and his greatest passion was his beloved Sunderland football team and the ‘Outliers’ cycling group.
“He was a funny, kind and caring man who loved his family and friends so much.
“He was very involved in village life – he was on the Hartest Fete Committee, he organised quizzes in support of the local school, he was Father Christmas for the school each year.
“Ian leaves a wife (it would have been our 25th wedding anniversary in September), a son, three stepchildren and 10 grandchildren.
“The family are devastated and heartbroken at this sudden loss. RIP ❤️Ian Simpson.”
A 41-year-old man from Essex was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug-driving and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre. He was released under investigation pending the outcome of blood tests.
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses – including any other motorists driving in the area around the time of the collision with a dashcam fitted in their vehicle, who are asked to review the footage for any material that may be of assistance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Joint Norfolk & Suffolk Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference: 37/25521/26.
Website: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us
Email: SCIU@norfolk.police.uk
Phone: Call 101.