Mother Pays Tribute To Motorcyclist Victim Carl

The mother of 19-year-old Malvern motor-cyclist Carl Rhys Cocks, who died in a road traffic collision, has said he lost his life doing what he loved best.

"I have spoken to some of his motorcycling mates and they said they had all agreed that if they were to die they would want it to be on their bikes," said Mrs Mandy Cocks, of 22 Lansdowne Close.

Carl was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision on the B4424 Powick to Old Hills road, Callow End, which occurred at approximately 1640 hours on 26 June.

His white Yamaha TZF125 was in collision with a red Fiat Punto and a black Vauxhall Astra, both travelling in the opposite direction towards Callow End.

"I particularly want to thank ‘Rossy' (McMurray), Carl's best mate, for being there for him when he died. It is comforting to know that someone so close to him was with him and he did not die alone," said Mrs Cocks.

Also speaking on behalf of Carl's siblings Andrew, 24, Lea-Ann, 23, Stephen, 20 and seven-year-old Nicky, said: "There hasn't been a day go past that we haven't wanted to hear Carl's bike coming into the Close - and many people who live here feel the same. You could always tell Carl was coming, even from distance, by the distinctive noise his bike made.

"We have lived here since Carl was two and everyone has been so supportive to us. Carl knew and was very friendly with most of our neighbours. I have many videos of parties which, over the years, always seemed to be held at number 22."

Mrs Cocks said Carl - a former pupil at both The Grove School, Pickersleigh Road and The Chase High School - didn't have a lot of luck with the motor-bikes he owned, right from a 50cc moped to begin with. They always incurred mechanical problems, but he worked hard in overcoming them, often working with his mates.

"He lived on and loved bikes and enjoyed many rides out with his mates. The tributes have been plentiful and fast-coming. I have read every one. I never knew Carl had so many friends - there are 150 tributes on ‘Facebook' and similar sites. They loved Carl to bits.

"I want Carl to have the best send-off possible - my lovable rogue deserves it. I want all his mates to be there who knew Carl for who he was. To me, a single rose is the symbol of love and instead of bouquets of flowers I would like everyone to just bring a single rose. That would mean a great deal to me and the family."

A service will be held at Worcester Crematorium at 12.30pm on 9 July.

• South Worcestershire Police are trying to trace a red Volkswagen Transporter, which was not involved in the collision but was being overtaken by the motorcycle when the collision occurred and whose driver did not stop at the scene.
  
  Police are also appealing for witnesses to the incident - or anyone who saw any of the vehicles being driven a few minutes beforehand. Information can be given on 0300 333 3000, quoting 636S/260610, or - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Monday 28 June 2010