A GRIEVING son has described his father as a caring and loyal family man after he died when his van went over a cliff edge.

David Routhan died at the scene near Roedean School and Brighton Marina after the crash last month.

The self-employed stonemason had plummeted down the cliffs off the A259 coast road.

Emergency services including the police, coastguards, fire service and ambulance service were called to the scene.

Mr Routhan, of Nuthurst Place, Brighton, was killed in the incident. He was 42.

Now his son Rhys has issued a statement on behalf of the family after the crash.

He said: “My dad was a self-employed stonemason who enjoyed riding his motorbikes in motocross, going to the gym, working, walking his beloved dogs, being with his close friends and supporting Liverpool Football Club.

“To name a few of his vast array of achievements were setting up his own successful business, becoming a father, fitness related goals, and recently passing his motorbike test after many years of riding just motocross.”

Mr Routhan had been running his own company and had nearly 20 years of experience in the industry.

Rhys said: “My dad will be remembered as the man who always put a smile on people’s faces and lit up the room.

“He was a hardworking, caring, and loyal family man.

“He was a man who always put others before himself, and who wanted what was best for his family and close friends.

“He would never let anyone down and would do everything he could to make someone close to him feel happy, feel loved, and feel appreciated.

“From making family members and friends smile, to even his own customers through work smile, he would always try his best to make a positive impact on someone’s life.

“No one had a bad word to say about him. Happy go lucky, cheeky, funny, loyal, smart, and the best father to myself, that’s how my dad will be remembered.”

The crash was reported shortly after 6.30am on May 13.

Emergency services were called, and deployed specialist rescue equipment.

The walkway below was closed while an investigation was carried out.

Police say Mr Routhan tragically died in the incident.

The coroner was informed, and an inquest is due to be held on September 12.