Tribute to 'selfless' dad who died in A361 crash

Family photo sent via Northamptonshire Police of Phillip Ventress. Mr Ventress is stood smiling at the camera in the centre of the picture wearing a grey cap, sunglasses and a cream knitted jumper over a beige shirt. The collar of the shirt has been folded over the neck of the jumper. He looks to be stood on a boat and behind him is a large body of water. The sun is setting in the sky casting an orange glow from the far right side of the photo and blending into the blue sky on the left. In the far distance on the edge of the water two grey shapes, likely to be land, can be seen.Image source, Handout
Image caption,

"Everyone loved him. He didn’t think he was special at all, but he really was," says the family of Phillip Ventress

  • Published

A "caring and selfless" father has died after his car was hit by a lorry on a major road.

Phillip Ventress, 50, who lived near Lutterworth, Leicestershire, died at the scene of the crash on A361 between Ashby St Ledgers and Daventry, Northamptonshire, on 2 October.

In a tribute his family shared their devastation over losing "the most caring and selfless man, who would do anything for anyone and loved being a father".

Northamptonshire Police said a black Hyundai Ioniq car had been in a collision with a white DAF lorry travelling in the opposite direction and the lorry driver had been taken to hospital with minor injuries.

'Always singing'

Mr Ventress, who was originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, was a proud dad who loved doing things as a family, the tribute shared.

"Always singing, Phil was never quiet and would talk to anyone," his family said.

"He’d pop out to get something from the car and we’d find him 20 minutes later chatting to someone, or in a neighbour’s house.

"He was such a kind man who took a genuine interest in everyone he met. He had a real intuition for what was really going on and was able to give people such support because of that."

Mr Ventress travelled around the country for work and was a blood donor.

"He knew from family experience what an important and life-saving thing [donating blood] is to do and would go every time he could, so he could give that gift to someone else.

"Phil was the most down-to-earth person you would ever meet. I think he would be so shocked at how many people have so many lovely things to say about him.

"We are reminded of him in so many ways and there is such a sense of disbelief at his death, in our family, our friends and community, and among his colleagues and clients."

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