‘IAN WAS ALWAYS READY WITH A SMILE AND A JOKE’
Tributes to 43-year-old who died a week after car crash
THE devastated family of a builder who lost his life after a fatal car crash have paid tribute to the dad-of-one.
Ian Kerr was taken to hospital after suffering what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries in a collision at the junction of Common Lane and Eccleshall Road, in Stone.
But the 43-year-old died a week later – on September 27 – at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Ian, who lived in Stone, leaves behind wife Sandie and 18-year-old son, Lewis, as well as a grieving family. Brother Joseph was the best man at Ian’s wedding seven years ago.
The 50-year-old said: “We are devastated and in a state of shock. We only lost our sister last year and now this, it’s terrible.
“There is certainly a hole in my heart where Ian used to be. “He was very family orientated and would lift even the most sombre events. He was quite lighthearted and passionate about everything he believed in. “Ian was a happy-go-lucky chap who was always ready with a smile and a joke.”
Ian enjoyed walking, playing badminton and pool.
Joseph added: “If the room wasn’t in fits of laughter when he walked in, it certainly was when he walked out.”
Ian’s funeral was held at Stafford Crematorium yesterday.
The family have also lodged a complaint with Staffordshire Police after only being informed of the crash three days after it happened. Joseph added: “Ian’s wife was ringing round friends for a day or so, trying to find out where he was. When it became apparent that he wasn’t at any of his friend’s houses, she went to report a missing person to the police and they said he was in the critical care unit.
“The police knew where he was, the accident was less than a mile from where he lived, he was in his own car with the vehicle registered to the address, and he had his driving licence, and yet nobody informed the family.”
Police are appealing for witnesses following the collision between a silver Ford Fiesta and a blue Volkswagen Golf at 12.20pm on Sunday, September 20. The 24-yearold Golf driver, from Stafford, was also taken to the Royal Stoke.
A police spokesman said: “The 43-year-old driver of the Fiesta was taken to hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life changing or life threatening. Sadly, his condition deteriorated and he died. Specialist officers are supporting the man’s family.”
The spokesman added: “A complaint has been received by the force’s professional standards department.
This is being investigated.”
Witnesses should call the police on
101.