TAKEN TOO SOON
FAMILIES PAY TRIBUTE TO AVONMOUTH BLAST VICTIMS
❝ Luke had everything to look forward to in life and has left a massive hole that will never be filled
Luke Wheaton’s family
❝ The whole family are struggling to come to terms with Ray’s death. He was a wonderful son, brother and father
Ray White’s family
❝ He brightened everyone’s lives with his cheeky and wicked sense of humour
Brian Vickery’s family
❝ Mike was a brother, husband, father and Grampy. He will be missed
Mike James’s family
THE families of the four people killed in an explosion at the Wessex Water works in Avonmouth have paid emotional tributes to their loved ones.
The tragedy, still being investigated by the police and the Health and Safety Executive, happened last Thursday morning, and police said formal identifications have been made and the families have released pictures of those who died.
Specialist family liaison officers continue to assist all four families and police said the thoughts of everyone at Avon and Somerset Constabulary remain with them.
The four who died were Luke Wheaton, 16, from Bradley Stoke; Ray White, 57, from Portishead; Brian Vickery, 63, from Clevedon, and Mike James, 64, from Bath.
Luke was just a couple of months into an apprenticeship at Wessex Water and his death has shocked the city. An avid sportsman and Bristol City fan, teammates at his local football club Stoke Lane Athletic have begun a fundraiser to help out all four families involved.
The family’s tribute reads: “Taken from us way too soon. Words cannot describe what we are going through.
“We are so proud of Luke, who is the most gorgeous, loving, happy, talented, perfect son.
“Luke had everything to look forward to in life and has left a massive hole that will never be filled.
“Luke is going to be missed by so many, first and foremost his family who he adored (including Harvey) and his huge network of friends including football, rugby and school.
“Luke knows how much he is loved and will be dearly missed by everyone. We just wish we could bring him back. Always in our hearts and thoughts - life will never be the same again. Sweet dreams babe.”
A message marked as from Aunty Jo, Pete, Mackenzie and Ethan said: “We’re absolutely heartbroken that you’ve been taken from us like this. You had your whole life ahead of you to look forward to ... sleep tight beautiful boy.”
Ray White, a 57-year-old from Portishead, was a father of two. His family said he would be ‘deeply missed’.
“The whole family are struggling to come to terms with Ray’s death,” their tribute said.
“He was a wonderful son, brother and father to his two sons. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” they added.
The family tribute for the 64-yearold Mike James from Bath simply read: “Mike was a brother, husband, father and Grampy. He will be missed.”
Brian Vickery’s widow Genevieve left a floral tribute at the scene that afternoon, and said the 63-year-old had worked at Wessex Water for 42 years and was due to retire soon. She said her son also works with his father at Wessex Water but had the day off that fateful day.
“There are not enough words to describe the impact Brian had on not only his family and closest friends but to so many others,” his family tribute said.
“He brightened everyone’s lives with his cheeky and wicked sense of humour. Nothing meant more to him than being around the ones he loved and it’s difficult to think of him without it bringing a smile to your face.
“We feel blessed to have had him in our lives and we will cherish these memories forever.”