A FAMILY will never forget the beaming smile of their loved one who was killed in a tragic road accident.
Alex Chard, who recently turned 21, from Saltney, was travelling along the A50 near Castle Donington in Leicestershire in his works van last Thursday morning when he was involved in a collision with an articulated lorry at about 9.25am.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Alex, who lived in Salisbury Avenue, is survived by his mum Alison, dad Jez, brother Stuart, 29, sister Kayleigh, 27, and ‘dear nan’ June. His girlfriend Brea Taddei is also devastated.
In a statement, the family said: “Alex was a big part of our family. He was always the life and soul. We just hope his smile carries us through this tragedy.”
The family wanted to thank Alex’s friends for their support. Kayleigh said her brother, a Manchester United fan, loved watching football and used to play until he injured his knee. At the weekend Blacon Youth Football Club dedicated its 2-0 victory over Lache to Alex’s memory.
Kayleigh’s boyfriend, Chester FC defender Wes Baynes, missed his side’s victory at Harrogate Town after hearing of the tragedy. He tweeted ‘would like to thank everyone for there messages its come as a great shock an I miss my mate an future brother in law to much #alex’.
Alex, an electrical testing engineer for Malpas-based company Barlows Electrical, was en route to a job in Nottingham for his employers when his white Vauxhall Vivaro van was involved in a collision with a yellow articulated lorry.
Mark Holden, contracts manager at Barlows, said: “Everyone who worked with Alex very much has the feeling of losing one of your family with us being such family-run business where everybody knows everyone.
“He was a model employee. He worked with us through his apprenticeship, he served his apprenticeship and had a very bright future in front of him. We had big plans for him.
“He was a lovely lad who didn’t fall out with anybody. Everybody thought the world of him, that’s why his loss is so hard to cope with. It’s the first time we have lost an employee in this way.”
Alex was ‘always thorough’ in his role, said Mr Holden, who explained that his work saw him testing electrical installations to make sure they were compliant and met the correct standard.
He was a former pupil of St David’s High School in Saltney, and headteacher Tony Davidson said: “He was an absolute gem for us, one of the finest young men I have worked with in 34 years in this profession.
“He had school all worked out, it seemed to us. He was talented and always tried his best. He kept the teachers happy but at the same time he was one of the lads. He played football and he was hugely popular with staff and students.
“We were so upset to hear the awful news and our thoughts are with his family.”
Detective Constable Nick Bryan, of Leicestershire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Both of the vehicles were travelling on the southbound carriageway when the incident happened.
“I would appeal to anyone who was driving on the A50 when the incident happened and saw either of these two vehicles in the moments leading up to the incident.”
Alex Chard’s funeral takes place at St Mark’s Church, Saltney, next Thursday at 10am, followed by burial at Blacon Cemetery. All are welcome. Family flowers only.
