Airman Killed in Collision Named

29 June 2011, 11:17

An airman from our region who died in a road crash on Monday night has been named.

The Airman stationed in Suffolk who died after a collision with a car outside RAF Mildenhall has been named as Airman 1st Class Tyler Patton, a Security Forces apprentice with the 48th Security Forces Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath.

He died when he was in collision with a blue Rover on the A1101 outside the main gate to RAF Mildenhall shortly before 11pm on Monday 27th of June.

A section of the road was closed for approximately five hours while forensic collision investigators carried out their enquiries.

Tributes are being paid to him today:

“Tyler was a combat veteran, a true patriot and a friend to all,” said Col. William Lewis, 48^th Fighter Wing vice commander at RAF Lakenheath. “He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Colonel Lewis also thanked all the members of the Liberty Wing who have been providing comfort and support to the Patton family and the 48th Security Forces Squadron: “It is heartwarming to see the selfless response of Airmen across the wing whenever we have a family in need,” he said.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Any witnesses to the crash are urged to contact Suffolk Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team on 01473 613500.