A groom-to-be and young father of four has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

Chris Reilly, 24, who lived in Brighton, died following the crash on Tuesday night (December 11).

Yesterday (December 12) Mr Reilly’s family paid tribute to him.

His heartbroken father, Kevin Reilly, said: “I am so proud of my son and the way he was bringing up his children. It is such a sad loss.”

He told how his son was engaged to Michaela Chambers and said she would “miss him terribly”.

His sister Donna, who identified her brother’s body along with her other sister Micky, added that his five nephews were “distraught”.

She added she wanted to thank well-wishers for their support but that the family wished to grieve in peace following the tragedy at the junction of Bear Road and Tenantry Down Road at 8.35pm.

'Much loved'

Mr Reilly’s uncle, Barry Cook, said: “He was a good lad. He had his times, like all boys. He was very much loved by the family and friends.”

Other people remembered Mr Reilly, known as Fatboy, on Facebook and on The Argus website. Flowers were left on the roadside close to where the collision occurred.

Notes accompanied the flowers. One person said: “You had a laugh that could brighten up everyone’s day.

“You will never be forgotten and will always be loved.”

Another said: “Fatboy you shall be missed. RIP now mate.”

A third person had simply written: “Fatboy. Miss you lots.”

'Missed by many'

Writing on The Argus, one person said: “Gonna miss you like mad. You were too young to go.

"All the fun and laughter we all shared. Am so shocked. Thinking of all the family.

“Be good up there and keep watch over all of us you left behind.”

Another said: “Fats you’re gonna be missed by so many. Another bright star in the sky.”

On Facebook one woman said: “RIP Fatboy, too young to be taken.”

One person described how they went past the crash but did not realise it involved a friend.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “The Yamaha motorcycle and a red BMW collided. The rider of the bike, a 24-year-old man from Brighton, sadly died from his injuries.

“Anyone who witnessed what happened or saw either vehicle before the collision is asked to call police on 101 quoting Operation Lindfield or email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk.”

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