'We love you to the moon and back', fiancée of Croydon tram crash victim Mark Smith makes heartbreaking tribute

Loved: Indre Novikovaite paid tribute to Mark Smith after his death following the Croydon tram tragedy
British Transport Police
Jamie Bullen14 November 2016

The fiancée of a young father killed when a packed commuter tram overturned in Croydon has described him as the “best thing that happened in our lives”.

Indre Novikovaite, who was due to marry Mark Smith, told of her heartbreak after the 35-year-old was among the victims of the tragedy on Wednesday morning.

In an emotional tribute, she described Mr Smith as “my everything” and an “amazing dad” to the couple’s young son.

Ms Novikovaite said: “Mark was my lover, my best friend, my everything. He was, and still is, an amazing dad to our little boy.

Mark Smith pictured with his partner Indre Novikovaite
Facebook

"We would give up everything to hold and kiss him again. We love you to the moon and back, you are the best thing that happened in our lives.

"You are always going to be in our hearts forever and ever."

Mark Smith was killed in the Croydon tram tragedy
Facebook

Mr Smith studied at Coulsdon College before going to work for his father’s double glazing firm.

Friends and family paid tribute to him on social media in which he was relatives described as a man “who always had a smile on his face and made everyone laugh”.

Tragedy: The tram overturned in south London on Wednesday
PA / Sky News

Relatives said: “Our son Mark Smith was a loving, caring, kind, loyal and popular young man known to many. A devoted father and husband-to-be and loving brother to his sister.

"He touched many lives through the passage of his too-short life. His loss has devastated us all.

Flowers left at the scene
Neil Hall/Reuters

"As a family we ask for privacy in what is a soul- destroying event in our lives.

"As star that shines twice as bright only shines for half its life, that was our Mark, a son we were very proud of."

The statements were released shortly after the family of Robert Huxley paid tribute to the “larger than life” football fan who was on his way to work when the tram derailed.

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

Heartbroken relatives said his death was confirmed late on Saturday.

They said: “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.”

On Saturday, police named the six men and one woman killed in the crash with Dane Chinnery, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Philip Logan, Philip Seary and Donald Collett also identified as the victims.

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

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

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.”

Mrs Rynkiewicz, a 35-year-old mother-of-two, 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.”

Mr Seary, 57, who was also known as “Tank” was said by relatives to be a “devoted family man” and well known among the community.

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

While relatives of Mr Collett 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.

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

And relatives of father-of-four Philip Logan added: “He was a true family man and generous friend to all with a magnificently dry sense of humour.”

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.

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

Crystal Palace Football Club also announced a minute’s silence has been arranged before the team’s next home game against Manchester City next Saturday.

Seven people were killed on Wednesday when carriages flipped over as the tram turned around a sharp bend at around 6.10am near Sandilands stop as it travelled 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 £11,000.

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