THE FAMILY of a young man who was killed in a crash have described him as “a shining light”.

Ryan Bowyer from Southwater, was riding a black Kawasaki motorbike through Strood Green, near Petworth, on Wednesday evening when he collided with a blue Range Rover.

The 27-year-old’s family have now released an emotional statement following the fatal incident.

It reads: “It is with great sadness and the heaviest of hearts that we have to announce our son, brother, partner and to many a dear friend Ryan Bowyer lost his life in a tragic road traffic collision.

“Ryan was a shining light and the brightest of stars to not only his family but many others, and although this will come as a shock to many as it has to us, we would respect privacy whilst we come to terms with our loss.”

Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene of the crash at around 7.55pm on Wednesday, July 7.

Despite their best efforts, Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Range Rover driver – a 55-year-old man from Wisborough Green – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He has been released under investigation.

Sussex Police has said enquiries continue to establish how and why the collision occurred.

Anyone who saw what happened or captured it on dash cam – or anyone who saw the manner of driving/riding of either vehicle beforehand – is urged to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Bombay.