Tributes to Iraq Para veteran killed in motorbike smash
THE family of an Iraq war veteran killed in a motorbike crash today paid tribute to t he “most l ovi ng f a t her in t he world”.
Father-of-two Ronald Mayers died after coming off his bike in a collision with a Transit van and hitting a lamppost in Belmont, Sutton.
The motorbike enthusiast, known as Ronnie, was killed as he rode home from work at the Tesco superstore in Cheam, where he was the manager of the mobile phone section.
The 32-year-old, from South Croydon, had served in the Iraq War in 2003 as a member of the Irish Guards attached to the elite Guards Parachute Platoon.
He had joined the Army at the age of 16 and served until he was 22, leaving shortly after returning from the war in Iraq and before the birth of his first daughter, now aged 12.
His brother Richard Mayers, a finance broker in the City, said his family were “in pieces” following the accident.
He told the Standard: “His two daughters meant everything to him. If there was one thing he did amazingly well it was being a father. He had spent a lovely day with his daughters at Hever Castle the weekend before he died.”
He added: “He was a motorbike lover. There’s comfort in the fact he died doing something he loved so much. If he could pick a way to go he probably would have done that.
“He had been a proud soldier. He never really talked about it but the war in Iraq had a profound effect on him and he left the Army after he came back from there.”
Since his death his biker friends have launched a sticker campaign, raising more than £1,000 for his daughters, aged eight and 12.
Helmet stickers bearing the phrase “We ride for the fallen” are being sold at the Tesco where he worked and online.
His friend Dale Neary, who has organised the sale, said in a tribute: “Can’t even describe how heartbroken I am right now. You were a beautiful person, and a great rider, and you leave behind t wo beautif ul daughters. I t ake it upon myself to ensure that you’re daughters know how much of a hero their father was.”
Friend and colleague Giuseppina Buttacovoli, 23, said: “He was one of the most genuine, kind people you could meet. He always put everyone before himself. He was always smiling and cracking jokes, making everyone laugh. He was just a really nice guy.”
Dozens of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash, which took place at about 6.45pm on April 2. The male driver of the van stopped at the scene. He was not arrested.
Of f i c e r s f ro m t h e Met ’s S e r i o u s Collision Investigation Unit at Merton are appealing for witnesses on 020 8543 5157.