Tributes paid to ‘top bloke’ motorcyclist killed in fatal lorry crash near Chelmsford

An “all-round top bloke” who died in a motorbike crash near Writtle has been named for the first time. Christopher Thame, 31, from Southminster, died after a two-vehicle collision on the A414 close to Chelmsford on August 13. Mr Thame, who is understood to have worked in the broadcasting industry, was riding a motorbike at the time of the collision with a lorry.

It has been claimed that he was travelling on his way into work when he was fatally injured. Essex Coroner’s Court on Thursday (August 29) heard a provisional cause of death has been given as multiple injuries and a road traffic collision after he died at the scene. The male lorry driver, 52, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving[1] and released under investigation.

ALSO READ: Man found dead in severe flat fire on Canvey Island named for the first time[3] The road was closed for several hours whilst investigation work was carried out. Area Coroner Michelle Brown confirmed there had been no prosecution in relation to the fatal incident.

Tributes shared online described Mr Thame as a “general all-round top bloke” and a key member of staff and “top human”. One shared on LinkedIn said: “We are absolutely devastated to let you know that friend, colleague, former Radio TechCon presenter and committee member and general all-round top bloke, Chris Thame, has died. He was involved in a road traffic accident on his motorcycle journey into work on Tuesday (13th August).

“Sending all our love to his friends and family, and his work family at BATCAM and former colleagues at Wireless Group / News UK. Chris worked at News UK for many years, overseeing the Engineering team as Lead Stations Engineer, and working on projects such as the move from Hatfields to The News Building and launching TalkTV, before moving on in June 2023 to work at Batcam.” Another said: “We are very sad to report the loss of a key member of staff and all round top human, Chris Thame.

On Tuesday, Chris was on his motorbike on his way to work as usual.

He was involved in a high speed collision and died at the scene.”

References

1. ^ arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving (www.essexlive.news)
2. ^ Watch the moment Essex cocaine dealer is arrested at Luton Airport after ‘lavish’ holiday with drug money (www.essexlive.news)
3. ^ Man found dead in severe flat fire on Canvey Island named for the first time (www.essexlive.news)