Tributes for Chichester navy serviceman killed in car crash

Daniel Cox, 24, from Chichester was killed when two cars collided near Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall - where he served with 820 Naval Air Squadron.

Close colleagues and friends of Daniel paid tribute to him and praised his commitment to his work and love for his family.

Adam Walker, a close friend of Daniel’s for four years, said: “He was the most selfless and caring person I have met in my life. He always put family and friends first.

“The way he approached life with positive energy and humour, I believe everyone who knew him will carry that through. He will always be loved and missed.”

Warrant officer Steven Hughes said: “He was so enthusiastic. Every morning, he’d be in my office asking what time are we doing rounds.

“I’d think I haven’t even had my cup of tea yet and he wants to get out and start work.”

Floral tributes were laid to Daniel Cox after he was killed in a car crash in Cornwall (Image: Newsquest)

Tom Bunt said that Daniel was passionate about mechanics and cars and said: “I’ve never known a bloke who could strip an engine like him.”

He said: “He had spent 18 months designing and developing a spoiler from scratch, but he never got to fit it.

“That’s what gets me, he never had the chance to fit it.”

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Sam Edgerton said that 'Coxy', as Daniel was also known, was “confident without having to say anything” and also “naturally gifted at engineering.”

“He was always forthcoming with helping us out,” he said.

“You rely on each other a lot and the loss of what Coxy used to bring is felt heavily.”

Daniel Cox (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Daniel had been travelling with Callum Gilbert, 23, from Helston, along the A3083 near RNAS Culdrose before the crash, which took place just after 9.10pm on December 7. Both men were killed in the collision.

An inquest into the deaths of both men has been opened and adjourned to take place in full at a later date, likely to be at some point in the new year.

Captain Stuart Irwin, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the deaths of two of our people.

“First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones who have been affected by this tragic event.

“These were two bright young aircraft engineers who have already achieved so much and served with distinction.

“At 820 Naval Air Squadron, across RNAS Culdrose, and in the wider community here in west Cornwall, we are all coming to terms with their loss.”

Witnesses of the incident or anyone with relevant dashcam footage is urged to contact Devon and Cornwall police via their website.