Croydon tram crash: Families of two men killed in horror derailment release touching tributes

Tragic: Six men and one woman died when a tram overturned
PA / Sky News
Jamie Bullen14 November 2016

Relatives of two victims killed in the Croydon tram tragedy have paid tribute hours after they were identified by police.

Family and friends of Donald Collett described the 62-year-old as a “well-loved”, “funny” and “generous” man who “could light up a room with his smile”.

While loved ones of Philip Logan said the 52-year-old father-of-four was a “true family man” with “more love compassion and zest for life than words can express”.

Both men were named by British Transport Police as among the seven victims of the tragedy when a packed commuter tram overturned in south London on Wednesday.

"Funny and generous": Mr Collett's family paid tribute to the 62-year-old
British Transport Police

Robert Huxley, 63, from New Addington was also identified after other victims Dane Chinnery, Mark Smith, Philip Seary and Dorota Rynkiewicz were named among the dead by friends and family.

Mr Collett’s family said: "Don was a well loved, funny and generous man, who could light up a room with his smile.

“He is tragically leaving behind a loving family, partner, adored friends and work colleagues.

"Zest for life": Philip Logan was a father-of-four, grandfather and great-grandfather
British Transport Police

"Please rest in peace and know you are truly loved and greatly missed. We are struggling to deal with this tragic news and ask for privacy at this sad time."

While Mr Logan’s relatives said: “Philip Logan known to all who knew him as Loag, a loving husband to Marilyn, brother to Susan, father to Lee, Tracy, Lisa and Adele, grandfather and great grandfather.

Tragedy: The tram overturned near Sandilands stop
PA

“He was a true family man and generous friend to all with a magnificently dry sense of humor.

"Phil was a man with more love compassion and zest for life than words can express. He will be immensely missed by all that knew him."

Dane Chinnery, 19, from New Addington, was described by friends as a “lovely guy” and “really good fun”.

Victim: Friends have paid tribute to Dane Chinnery, 19, killed in the crash in Croydon

One wrote: “The life of our brother was taken from him. Aged 19, Dane lost his life with the tram crash on his way to work.

Recovery: Workers and a heavy crane arrive at the scene in Croydon.
PA

"He was red, white and blue all the way through, and simply loved Palace.”

Mother-of-two Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, was described as an “amazing” mother who was devoted to her young family.

Dorota Rynkiewicz, 35, pictured with husband Andrzej, a pro golfer

She was on her daily commute to Euston when the tram overturned near the Sandilands stop.

Her sister-in-law Kasia Rynkiewicz told the Standard: “She was an amazing mother and definitely a hard-working person. She was on her way to work so early in the morning to provide for her kids.”

Marching together: Friends and relatives of the victims paid tribute near the crash scene
PA

Tributes paid on social media to young father Mark Smith, 35, who worked for his father's double glazing firm.

Mr Smith attended Thomas More Roman Catholic High School in Purley before studying at Coulsdon College and is believed to have been engaged to marry his fiancée Indre Novikovaite.

Mark Smith pictured with his partner Indre Novikovaite
Facebook

His friends and relatives described him as a man “who always had a smile on his face and made everyone laugh” after news of his death emerged.

His cousin, Tom Smith, said his family had been left “in bits” after the tragedy as he paid tribute to him in a Facebook post.

Father-of-three Philip Seary, 57, who was also known as “Tank” was also confirmed among the victims of the tragedy.

His son-in-law Darren Mimms told the Croydon Guardian: "Phil was a devoted family man. He devoted his life to his children and his wife, and was well known among the community."

Victim: Phil Seary was named as one of the victims killed in the Croydon tram disaster
Facebook

The names were released shortly after up to a hundred friends and relatives of the victims marched to the crash scene in an emotional tribute to those who lost their lives.

People spilled out on to the streets in a sign of unity as they hugged one another, sang songs and clapped in remembrance of the six men and one woman who died.

Six men and one woman died and more than 50 people were injured when the carriages flipped over as the tram turned around a sharp bend at around 6.10am near the Sandilands stop while travelling from New Addington to Wimbledon.

The tram's driver was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and questioned by investigators who have said the vehicle was travelling "significantly" above the permitted speed.

The 42-year-old man from Beckenham was released on bail, and investigators are probing whether the driver had fallen asleep.

An online fundraising page set up by Croydon Council to enable "ongoing care and support" to those directly affected by the crash has raised more than £10,000.

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