Tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist who died following a bus crash.
Laurence Bickham, 20, from Seaford, was killed instantly when he was in collision with a bus in Ditchling Road, Brighton, and was thrown into a lamppost just before 4pm on Tuesday.
His passenger and girlfriend, Jennifer Byrne, 20, from Newhaven, was seriously injured in the crash but was last night in a stable condition.
Writing on Facebook just hours after his brother’s death, Alex Bickham, said: “We all thought it might happen one day but that still doesn’t prepare you for the shock. You definitely won’t be forgotten.”
A tribute video, showing Laurence racing his beloved Kawasaki, was also released yesterday (February 8).
The bike had been bought with an inheritance left by Laurence’s mother, who died of cancer when he was a teenager.
Tom Cole, 21, a friend from Seaford Head Community College, told The Argus: “He was a true character – a really funny bloke and someone who was well loved.
“It puts it all in perspective when you hear about someone that young losing their life.
“The worst thing was seeing the details in the news – the age, the Kawasaki, Seaford, and piecing it all together.”
Thomas Broad, 20, another former schoolmate, said: “The more hours that accumulate, the memories mount and I remember how funny, how genuine he is.
“No one would say a bad word about him. He was a true gem.”
At the time of his death, Mr Bickham was studying motorcycle maintenance and repair at Northbrook College.
Tutor Simon Bates said: “Laurence was a model student and a credit to the college. He was always helping others and he will be sadly missed by his classmates. Our thoughts go out to his girlfriend. This has hit us all very hard.”
Helen Key, the deputy head of Seaford Head Community College, said: “The staff and students are devastated by the tragic death of Laurence. He will be remembered for his lively personality and friendly manner.”
Floral tributes were left at the scene of his death, at the junction with Oxford Street, including one that read: “I’m so very sad and sorry that I wasn’t able to help you. Sleep peacefully. Sarah (a bus passenger).”
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