CYCLIST ‘DIED WITH A SMILE ON HIS FACE’
HEARTBROEKN FAMILY PAY TRIBUTE TO CHEF WHO DIED AFTER A CAR CRASHED INTO A GROUP OF RIDERS
A CYCLIST who died when a car crashed into a group of riders was a married chef who had served in the Army.
Jack Berry, 26, died in the crash on the A48 between the Cowbridge bypass and Pentre Meyrick at about 7.20am on Saturday.
In a statement issued through police yesterday, his family described him as “a loving husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend” who was a “keen sportsman”.
Mr Berry, who was born at RAF Wegberg in Germany, had served with the British Army in Afghanistan, and had married his wife Luisa in 2014.
The popular chef, who worked at the Bush Inn in St Hilary, died while training for a triathlon.
His family said: “Jack was born in RAF Wegberg, Germany, before spending his early childhood and schooldays in Abercarn. He was a keen sportsman playing rugby and football for local clubs in Abercarn and Blackwood as well as representing Cwmcarn High School in a variety of sports.
“Despite achieving great success in his GCSEs, Jack had already made the decision to follow his parents into the British Army.
“He achieved great success both on the sports field, where he again represented the AGC in a number of sports, although by now his real talent was shining through on the rugby field where he played in the back row, displaying the positive attitude, steely determination and tireless work ethic that was to become the hallmark of his life.
“During his six years’ service, Jack proudly served with B Coy, 2 Royal Welsh, including a tour of Afghanistan where once again his positive mindset, sense of humour and infectious smile came to the fore.
“In 2014 Jack married Luisa and they were both happily enjoying married life in their home in Cardiff Bay.
“The last 12 months has seen Jack training and working as a chef at the Bush Inn, St Hilary, in Cowbridge where he not only demonstrated a talent for cooking but his uncanny knack of making friends across the generations and impacting everybody he encountered in a positive way.
“Whilst working at the Bush Inn he discovered a passion for triathlon and tragically died whilst out on a training ride.
“He died, just as he lived his whole life, with a smile on his face and doing the things he loved with the people he loved.
“Jack was a loving husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend of so many people – he will be sorely missed.”
South Wales Police officers are continuing to investigate the crash, which saw a white Skoda Octavia collide with a group of three cyclists.
A police spokesman said: “A 36-yearold local man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released under investigation.”
Officers investigating the crash are continuing to appeal for witnesses, or anyone who may have seen the manner in which the car was being driven before the crash, to contact South Wales Police by calling 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 1700418785 if they have not already done so.