TRIBUTES have been paid to a father of three young children who died in a road accident at Westerleigh, near Yate.
Ben Alexander, who was 26, was driving a car that collided with a Land Rover on Westerleigh Road.
He died at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency services to save his life.
The former Yate United FC player was described as a “kind-hearted and loving young man”.
Fundraising pages set up to pay for his funeral and support his young family have raised more than £6,000.
‘A kind-hearted and loving young man’
Ben’s family issued a statement via the police, which said: “We would like to thank the emergency services and everyone who stopped to help at the scene.
“Unfortunately, our beloved son, partner, daddy and brother Ben passed away.
“Ben was a kind-hearted and loving young man, who is dearly missed by those lucky to have known and loved him.
“Ben was an avid Liverpool supporter, who loved to play football, and was a player at Southmead FC when he passed away. He also loved playing darts, music and dancing.
“Our thoughts and best wishes are with the people from the other vehicle.”
‘A top man’
Ben, who lived in Fishponds, had played football for Yate United FC in his youth.
The club, which is based at Yate Town’s Lodge Road ground, provides youth football for players aged up to 16.
Paying tribute on social media, the club said: “Ben was part of the Yate United team managed by Gary Walters and Martyn Banks for a number of years until 2016.
“His late father, Taff, also assisted with the team, and both were fantastic club people whom we had the privilege of knowing.
“News like this is incredibly difficult to comprehend, and the thoughts of everyone at Yate United are with Ben’s family, friends and loved ones at this unimaginably painful time.
“Rest in peace, Ben. A top man who will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.”
Ben had been playing for Southmead FC, who said: “More than just a player, he was a valued teammate, a familiar face around the club, and someone who will be remembered by all who had the privilege of sharing a changing room, training session or matchday with him.”
Fundraising for family
Two fundraising pages have been set up to support Ben’s family.
One, to help pay for his funeral, had raised more than £5,100 by the end of August. It can be found here.
Donation page organiser Dave Stinchcombe said: “He was the life and soul of every room, with the kindest heart and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day.”
The other page is to support Ben’s partner Toni and their family, and has raised more than £1,300. It can be found here.
Organiser Lisa Dewfall said: “Toni is now facing the unimaginable task of grieving the love of her life while supporting their three beautiful children through the loss of their daddy.”
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision on Westerleigh Road at about 9.15pm on July 24, or has relevant dashcam footage of the moments leading up to it, to contact them.
Ben was driving a black Audi A4, which collided with a green Land Rover Defender.
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting the incident reference number 5226 207 888, or contact the police online.
Top picture: Ben Alexander