Braintree: Tributes Paid To Bike Crash Victim

23 April 2012, 09:18 | Updated: 23 April 2012, 09:28

Tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a crash in Braintree last week.

23-yearold Ryan Gibbons, of The Westerings, Cressing, died when his bike left Witham Road in Tye Green and ended up in a ditch. 
His family has released the following in tribute to him:

"Ryan Lee Gibbons was a warm, kind hearted boy who was always ready and willing to help his friends and family; he was always there if you needed him. Since the age of 14 Ryan was passionate about go karts, mini motos, and motorbikes; anything with an engine. During his spare time Ryan could be found in his garage which in recent years served as his motorbike workshop. His smile could light up any room and he was loved dearly by his family and his many close friends. Ryan was autistic but showed utter determination to follow his dreams and refused to allow this to stop him living his life to the full!

"Ryan moved to Essex from London with his mother and father, Caroline and Brian, and his sister, Emily ten years ago and it was then that Ryan was able to pursue his passion. He studied motorbike mechanics at The Colchester Institute and was in his final year. Ryan worked at Moto Tweeks in Chelmsford as a mechanic and was thoroughly enjoying his education and work experiences.
Ryan was an extremely talented motor bike mechanic which earned him the nickname 'Jesus' from his friends; there was nothing that he could not fix! Ryan idolised Valentino Rossi the Italian motorcycle racer and was often referred to as 'Ryan's Rossi Son'. Ryan rode a Kawasaki Z9 Ninja which he had wanted for years and it was his pride and joy.

"Caroline, Brian and Emily were so proud of Ryan's achievements at college and at work and would like to thank Adrian at Braintree College for always believing in Ryan and giving him the chance to reach his full potential. They would also like to thank Nigel and George at Moto Tweeks for letting Ryan live his dream. 

"Ryan's family is understandably devastated and struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss. The family would like to thank Ryan's friends for their continued support; we have been overwhelmed by his popularity, the love and grief shown by so many people who have been affected by Ryan's tragic death. We would also like to personally thank the emergency services; Essex Police, Essex Ambulance, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit and staff at Broomfield Hospital for their continued and outstanding support at this difficult time."