Family’s tribute to ‘beloved’ dad Fred
Motorcyclist dies with family by his side almost three weeks after serious crash
Family and friends have paid tribute to a “happy-go-lucky” father and grandfather who died almost three weeks after he was involved in a serious crash.
Fred McIlveen was riding a motorcycle in Maidstone when he was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Polo in Tonbridge Road on Friday, October 13.
Emergency services were called around 5.15am, and the road was closed between Station Approach and Westree Road while officers dealt with the incident. The 60-year-old, who had suffered injuries to his head, hand and chest, was taken to Kings College Hospital in London and placed on the critical care unit. He died last Wednesday with his family by his side.
A joint statement from his family paid tribute to their “beloved Fred”, who was very close to his siblings Yvonne and Roger, and daughter Kelly, as well as his grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.
They said: “We as a family are heartbroken that we have had to say goodbye.
“Fred was well known for his love of motorbikes and football, and he will be remembered as a cheeky fun-loving man. He will be greatly missed.”
His niece, Vicky Dawson, wanted to thank the hospital staff who cared for him. She said: “He had been on the critical care unit the whole time he was there, and we were with him when he died.
“I know all of the family would like to thank the staff at Kings for everything they did for him, they were amazing.”
Friends and colleagues also paid tribute to the Maidstone Hospital cleaner who was approaching 16 years’ service with the Trust and who lived in Mangravet for most of his life before moving nearby to Loose.
Clive Hedges, who worked with him at the Hermitage Lane hospital, described him as a man always willing to go the extra mile.
He said: “He was a good man, happy-go-lucky and always had a smile on his face in and out of work. He always wanted to help others. He will be missed.”
Jim Lusby, Trust chief executive, said: “Fred was a very popular member of staff and will be greatly missed by his colleagues. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Bill Williams, chief executive at Maidstone United FC, said: “We are very sad to learn of Fred’s passing. He was a regular at the Gallagher Stadium – both as a fan and as part of our match day staff.
“As well as supporting the first team, he also took an active interest in Maidstone United Raiders, the club’s disability teams. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Investigating officers have now reissued their appeal for information. Witnesses are urged to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk quoting reference MC/GD/228/17.