Loving tributes paid to Whitwell crash victim

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a ‘lovely’ and ‘unbelievable’ Whitwell man who died in a road crash near Worksop.
A man has died after the car he was travelling in left the road near Worksop. The crash happened on the A60 Mansfield Road between the junction with the A619 and the Broad Lane crossroads at around 3am on Saturday morning.A man has died after the car he was travelling in left the road near Worksop. The crash happened on the A60 Mansfield Road between the junction with the A619 and the Broad Lane crossroads at around 3am on Saturday morning.
A man has died after the car he was travelling in left the road near Worksop. The crash happened on the A60 Mansfield Road between the junction with the A619 and the Broad Lane crossroads at around 3am on Saturday morning.

Brian Birkett, 26, crashed on the A60 Mansfield Road between the junction with the A619 and the Broad Lane crossroads at around 3am on Saturday 11th July.

Police chiefs have said no other vehicle is thought to have been involved in the incident.

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Tom Munro, chairman of Whitwell Parish Council, said: “On behalf of the parish council we would like to express our deepest sympathy at this very sad loss of young life.”

“It is a very tragic event.”

Coun Munro, who also used to act as a private home tutor for Mr Birkett, said: “I used to teach him maths around 10 years ago to help him with his GCSEs.”

“He was a lovely lad,”

“He had an unbelievable personality and he was very clever.”

Since the accident, floral tributes and cards have been laid at the scene of the crash as a mark of respect.

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One card said: “We will miss you so much. We have shared so many happy memories and good times together. You will always be in our thoughts.”

It is believed that Mr Birkett trained as a dentist and moved away from the area for a while but later returned.

Tim Moncaster, owner of The Chip Inn, Hangar Hill, said: “I only knew him to say ‘hello’ and serve him but it puts everything into perspective.”

Traffic was diverted for a number of hours after teh crash and a police cordon was in place while enquiries were carried out.

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One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It is absolutely shocking.”

“They are a nice family.”

“Traffic was diverted so it was quite busy so we knew it was something serious.”

This week people have also posted messages of support for Mr Birkett and his family on social media.

Chris Mallory posted: “RIP Brian, you always brought a giggle on Facebook with your adventures, then gave hope to us big lads everywhere when you did the weight. Such a promising life and career ahead and sincere condolences to his family.”

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Michelle Neill wrote: “Sleep tight B. We love you sweetheart.”

Dave Wase added: “RIP Bridog gone way too soon but you will not be forgotten; an absolute star.”

Call Notts Police on 101, quoting incident number 158 of 11th July with any information.

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