Croydon tram crash: tributes paid to 'larger than life' Chelsea fan killed in horror derailment

"Loving husband": Relatives of Robert Huxley paid tribute following his death in the Croydon tram tragedy
British Transport Police
Jamie Bullen14 November 2016

Relatives of a lifelong Chelsea fan killed in the Croydon tram tragedy have told of their heartbreak at the loss of a “loving husband” and “devoted father”.

Robert Huxley, 63, from New Addington, died on Wednesday as he made his way to work when the carriages flipped over as the tram turned around a sharp bend at around 6.10am near Sandilands stop.

He was among seven victims in the tragedy in which six men and one woman lost their lives as the tram travelled from New Addington to Wimbledon.

On Sunday, his family released a statement via police in which Mr Huxley was described as a “larger than life character”.

Tragedy: The tram overturned near Sandilands stop
PA

Relatives said: “Early on Wednesday morning, over three days ago, Bob left his home for work and travelled by tram up to east Croydon, a journey he has made a thousand times, sadly and tragically he did not return.

“As you can appreciate for his loved ones it’s been a difficult and uncertain time, the confirmation of his death only came late this afternoon (Saturday).

Tributes: Flowers left at the scene 
Neil Hall/Reuters

“Bob was a larger than life character and very hardworking. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend to many.

“He was also a lifelong Chelsea supporter and a season ticket holder.

“This tragedy will have far reaching consequences and impact many people for a significant time. We are all heartbroken.”

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

The tribute came hours after the relatives of Donald Collett and Philip Logan released statements in honour of the men.

Dane Chinnery, Mark Smith, Philip Seary and Dorota Rynkiewicz were earlier 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.

"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."

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

While 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.

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

"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.

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

Croydon Tram derailment

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

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

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

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.”

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.

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.

Mark Smith was killed in the Croydon tram tragedy
Facebook

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

On Saturday, 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.

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 £11,000.

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