‘Gentle giant’ dad who died in A14 crash was set to get married later …

The family of a “loving and dependable” man who died in a crash on the A14 have issued a tribute to him. Police were called just after 6pm on March 30, to reports of a three-vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway of the A14 at Beyton, involving two lorries and a van, near the roadworks. The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pending formal proceedings, the man has been identified as 53-year-old Paul Ivan Cobbold, from Bramford. In a tribute issued through Suffolk Police, Mr Cobbold’s family said: “Born the summer of ’69, Paul Ivan Cobbold was the perfect example of a Bramford boy. “The youngest of four siblings and despite difficulties in his early childhood, Paul never failed to leave an impression on everyone he met.

Becoming a dad at 18 and later getting married, Paul strived to do the best for his family. “His four children, Robert, Sean, Emma and Rebecca were the lights of his life, blessing him with five amazing grandchildren. Paul worked in the building industry for over 34 years, both on a self-employed and employed basis.

“He was a multi skilled tradesman and had trained many apprentices over the years. In 2009, he met his partner, Jackie Leeks and became a wonderful dad to Jensen and Macey. “Jackie and Paul were engaged in August 2022 with plans to marry later this year.

Paul was a gentle giant, funny, sarcastic, loving and dependable to all his family and friends, but most of all, he was our hero.” A man aged in his 50s arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been bailed until June 22, pending further enquiries. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, quoting CAD 342 of March 30.

References

1. ^ Three teenage girls ‘groped’ by four suspects in popular Ipswich park (www.suffolklive.com)