Tribute to 'kind and gentle' man killed in crash

John "Acker" Tripconey was a pillar of the community, said his family

A family has paid tribute to their grandfather who died following a collision in a remote country lane.

John "Acker" Tripconey, 88, from the Coverack area of Cornwall, died in hospital the day after he suffered serious injuries in the crash, which involved a tractor and a motorcycle at Trevothen on The Lizard on 2 April.

The "most kind, gentle, strong and hardworking family man" was also a pillar of the community, said his family.

Police said a man in his 60s from Porthleven had been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving, using a motor vehicle in a public place without third party insurance and driving a vehicle with a controlled drug above the limit.

'Loving dad'

Mr Tripconey's family said in a tribute: "Words cannot express our sadness of the loss of this outstanding man.

"He was a loving dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and a friend to so many, who devoted his life to the land and to God.

"He was the most kind, gentle, strong and hardworking family man."

They said he spent 27 years as a member of the cliff rescue team based in both Coverack and Porthoustock.

He was also involved with Coverack Carnival, Christmas Tree and Ponsongath Chapel and many other organisations.

"Always putting others before himself, he was married for 52 years to his loving wife Maureen," said his family.

He leaves four children and four grandchildren.

The suspect has been released on bail and police are appealing for any information or footage that could help with their investigation into the crash.