Family pays tribute to ‘the perfect son’
Thomas Allen
The family of a 23-year-old man who died on Christmas Day following a horror smash which also left three horses dead has paid tribute to “the perfect son”.
Thomas Allen, from Soham, suffered critical head injuries in the accident, which happened on Christmas Eve at about 10.15pm on the A14 at Sproughton, near Ipswich.
A 26-year-old man from Ipswich was later arrested on suspicion of “endangering road users” after six horses apparently strayed on to the road, causing the horrific crash.
Up to four cars were thought to have been in collision with the animals, including Mr Allen’s vehicle. Three of the horses, one of them a mare in foal, died at the scene.
The family of Mr Allen, who died at Ipswich Hospital the following day, said: “Words cannot express the loss and devastation we are all feeling. Thomas was simply the perfect son.
“He was a kind, thoughtful, happy young man, with a wicked sense of humour.
“He was just thrilled with the purchase of his new car. Sadly driving this would result in his early death.
“He was liked and loved by everyone who met him.”
Mr Allen worked as a supervisor at Booker Cash and Carry in Cambridge, where he was recently promoted.
“Life was going really well when he tragically died. He was on the road to great things.
“He was adored by his young sister and all our lives will never be the same.”
A spokeswoman for the cash and carry firm said: “Tom was a valued member of the team at Cambridge and our thoughts and condolences are with the family.”
The westbound stretch of the A14 was closed off for more than 12 hours while accident investigators tried to establish exactly what happened.
The arrested man was released on bail and will return to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre on February 28.
A spokesman for the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service, which was called to assist at the scene, said the front-seat passenger in Mr Allen’s car, believed to be a 20-year-old woman, was also taken to Ipswich Hospital, but her injuries were not thought to be serious.
Nick Clarke, leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, used his blog to pay tribute to Mr Allen, who studied with his son at Cambridge Regional College.
He said: “On Boxing Day, my son, who is 23, was in my arms crying.
“One of his friends, Tom Allen, died on Christmas Day. What a terrible waste of a young life.
“My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Witnesses to the accident should call Pc Ali Cotton, of Suffolk Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, on 101.
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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