Biker Dad Killed In Thailand

[Basil B]

From the PETERLEE MAIL (UK)

A DAD has been killed in a head-on motorbike crash in Thailand.

Gavin Mann was riding his bike in the Thai resort of Pattaya when the accident happened on a main road close to pubs and bars.

The 40-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

Gavin Mann was riding his bike in the Thai resort of Pattaya when the accident happened on a main road close to pubs and bars.

The 40-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

Mr Mann, who lived in Thailand, was on his black and yellow Honda when he collided with a black Honda Dream at around 6.50am on Sunday.

Eyewitnesses claim they saw his motorcycle lose control and swerve into the other motorcycle on the opposite lane. The other biker, Boonreung Sakulma, 41, was rushed to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Mr Mann, who was dressed in a black short sleeved shirt and army camouflage-style trousers, was thrown from his bike on impact.

He was wearing a crash helmet but it is was not enough to save him.

His family, from the Dyke House area of Hartlepool, were too upset to speak to the Mail.

In a family notice published in today's Mail, Mr Mann is described as: "A dearly loved son of June and the late Brian.

"Much-loved brother of Andrea and Asa, dear brother-in-law of Ricky, dear friend of Sarah, a much loved uncle of Leonie and treasured dad of Georgia."

Friends have been posting moving tributes on Thai newspaper websites.

One friend, who left a message on the Pattaya Daily News, said: "Gav was a great mate to many people and a very loving father to his adored daughter.

"Gav was a home owner in Thailand, which he had built himself, with his own money. Gav had lived in Thailand for a good while now and had plans to sell-up and move on in the very near future, he had the 'wanderlust' gene."

It is understood Mr Mann was a keen sportsman, a trained scuba diver and big supporter of Hartlepool United.

Story and photo from PETERLEE MAIL

Edited March 18, 2009 by Basil B

[Tywais]

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