US ambassador’s tribute to crash motorcyclist

The American ambassador has paid tribute to an experienced motorcyclist who was killed in a head-on ‘wrong way’ crash on the M20.

Michael Copleston, 60, who lived in Hawkinge, was husband to Pauline – his wife of 39 years – a father to two and a grandfather to four.

The crash happened last Tuesday, November 29, and the police have continued to appeal for witnesses.

The collision was between Mr Copleston’s motorbike and a Ford Ka near the coastbound junction 9 at around 12.54am.

Mr Copleston served in the Metropolitan Police for three decades and was an advanced motorcycle and car instructor who trained other officers in road safety.

His daughter, Donna Clarkson, said: “He’s left a huge gap in everyone’s lives and he will be greatly missed by all.

“He retired from the police and had worked for the American Embassy as a chauffeur.

“They have said he was one of the best drivers they had, very knowledgeable and a great guy.

“My mother even received a letter from the American ambassador sending his condolences and saying the embassy held a minute’s silence. Absolutely amazing.”

It has been confirmed the driver of the car was a man in his 80s. No arrests have been made.

Officers want to speak to anyone who may have seen the car just before the crash or who may have captured the collision on a dash camera.

The road was closed coastbound from 1.30am and diversions were put in place.

An ambulance spokesman said: “We attended the incident with two ambulance crews and a single responder car alongside the air ambulance. One person was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk and quote DB/DM/230/16.

Michael Copleston and his wife, Pauline