TRIBUTES and flowers adorn the roadside where a ‘much loved’ motorcyclist lost his life at the weekend.
Christopher ‘Stig’ Clarke, from Yardley, was riding a blue Yamaha motorbike when he collided with a black Toyota Auris on the A452 Collector Road in Castle Bromwich at around 3.50pm on Sunday, March 20.
The 32-year-old father – whose friends affectionately called him ‘Stig’ after the masked Top Gear stunt driver – was pronounced dead at the scene.
Among the memorial signs which have been put up and flowers laid at the site of the crash, one reads: “To Chris, RIP.
“Always be remembered. God just gained an angel.
“See you on the other side.”
Another says: “Gone but not forgotten – a legend in the making. Ride high angel.”
Paying tribute to Mr Clarke on Facebook, Djt Atv LTD described him as the ‘most genuine and humble person’ he knew, while fellow user, Kenny Burns posted: “RIP Chris Clarke. Can’t believe another good lad taken way to soon.
“My thoughts with family and friends right now. Another solider down – sleep tight my friend – gone but not forgotten.”
Ambulance crews and an air ambulance were among the emergency services which rushed to the site of the crash near Auckland Drive, but nothing could be done to save Mr Clarke.
The man and woman in their thirties who were travelling in the car sustained minor injuries and were taken to Heartlands Hospital – the man suffering an ankle injury and the woman from shock.
Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward to help investigations.
Sergeant Steve Newbury, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A man has tragically lost his life and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.
“We are trying to piece together exactly what happened and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.
“Even the smallest piece of information could help us build a picture of what happened.”
Collision investigators can be contacted on 101 or via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
