Main picture: Rob Best and Marie Carol Jones
MEMBERS of a scooter club have been left devastated by a crash which claimed the lives of three members.
Rob Best, Marie Carol Jones and Tim Davis, all longstanding members of Yate & Sodbury Scooter Club, were on a ride to Normandy when they were fatally injured in a collision with a car on the A36 in Wiltshire on May 31.
Rob, 62, of Bradley Stoke, died at the scene. Marie, of Yate, and Tim, of Sharpness, died later in hospital. They were both in their 60s.
Club co-founder Andy Davis said: “Five scooters were going to Normandy – three with pillion riders, so eight people in total; the group had been planning the trip for some time, going for a few days, doing D-Day beaches.”
Three of the scooters were involved in the collision with a red Toyota Prius car.
Rob and Tim were riding their scooters, while Marie was a pillion passenger. Her husband Gary was seriously injured and taken to hospital but is now at home.
Andy said: “Gary is recovering, with a few broken bones.
“The others at the front and rear were not injured but are feeling traumatised from what they’ve seen.
“They were all big parts of the club, three regular members – all people we knew from growing up from school days, particularly Marie and Gary.”
Rob’s family said: “Rob was loved and adored by all who knew him. He dedicated his life to being a good husband, father, son, brother and friend. He leaves behind his extensive family and friends, all of whom are devastated by his loss.”
Marie’s family said: “Our cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister and nanny passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.
“As we navigate this time of deep sadness, we are profoundly grateful for the love, support and kindness shown by so many.”
The club paid tribute to Tim, saying: “Our dear friend, you had a way of making us laugh even on the darkest days, your warmth, humour, and spirit will be deeply missed.
“Our club is more than just a group of scooter enthusiasts – we are a close-knit family bound by friendship, shared passions, and the joy of the open road.
“The individuals we have lost were not only valued members of our club, but dear friends whose presence, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all of us.
“This loss has shaken us all, but we will continue to stand together — as a community, and as a family.
“Ride in peace our brothers and sister.”
Andy co-founded the club with his brother-in-law Kevin Milford nine years ago.
He said the three friends who died had been members “pretty much from the beginning”.
As a result of the tragedy the club, which has raised more than £11,000 for charity with its events, cancelled its summer festival, Back 2 Bedrock 4, which had been planned for Chipping Sodbury Rugby Club on June 13 and 14.
Members of the club and the wider scootering community have been sending messages of support, as well as raising funds for the Air Ambulance charities that responded – Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance.
An online donation site at bit.ly/4kLTkTd set up by Andy had raised £14,000 as the Voice went to print.