Tragedy as popular dad dies in bike crash

Nigel Duggins, 60, of Sycamore Road, Matlock, was travelling on a black Kawasaki motorbike in the direction of Wirksworth on Cromford Hill, when he collided with a grey Toyota Yaris at 9.46am on Sunday.

His friend Tim Dalton, of Chesterfield, had been biking with him when the accident occurred.

He started performing CPR straight away while a passer-by called for an ambulance.

“I did what I could,” Tim said.

He called Nigel’s family, who were all able to get to Cromford Hill quickly to be with him in his last moments.

Nigel, a self-employed builder, was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was father to Hannah and Grace Duggins, grandfather to Eliza, and partner to Lisa, whose two sons – Jake and Luke – he was close to.

Judith Duggins, the mother of his two children, said: “He was a much–loved caring and family–orientated man.”

“He lived for his family and loved to help people,” his daughter Grace added.

Hannah described her father as a workaholic, adding “He wanted to provide for everyone else.”

She said her dad was the “proudest grandfather ever” to 18–month–old Eliza.

“He was just a lovely lovely man who cared for his family and did his best in life,” Judith said.

Nigel loved all kinds of music and played several instruments.

He was a keen motorcyclist and enjoyed going out on his bike on a Sunday.

“He died doing something he loved,” Judith said.

The family has given its thanks to members of the public and emergency services who helped at the scene.

Tim said: “The response from everybody was amazing – they couldn’t have done any more for him.”

They also thanked the community for the support offered to them.

Commenting on Facebook, Ruth Thorpe said: “Thoughts are with all of Nigel’s family and friends. He was much loved and will be missed by many.”

Natasha Hubbard added: “Such sad shocking news. Thinking of his family and sending love from his neighbours at no 1.”

Shaun Bent said: “Very sad news RIP Digger you will be sadly missed.”

Peter Truman commented: “So sorry to hear the news. Nigel and his mate Dave did a wonderful job building our extension a few years ago. They also introduced us to many others to get various bits done, so Nigel’s loss will be felt by many in so many ways. I won’t miss the bobcat left in our garden for about a year, the volume of bacon sandwiches he ate or endless cups of tea, but I’ll certainly miss his grin when he promised us an A6 guarantee when he finished the work - as soon as he reaches the A6 it’s over! Now I’ll need to fix those coping stones myself... Great character and will be sadly missed.”

Shaun Wood said: “Rip digger,sending our condolences to his family.”

Jenni Fellows added: “So very sad, my heart goes out to his family xx.”

Derbyshire Police are currently investigating the accident and are asking any witnesses to contact Sergeant Steve Hughes quoting incident number 217 of March 23 on 101.