Portsmouth family pays tribute to 'amazing dad' after fatal Vespa scooter crash

THE family of a scooter rider who died in a crash have said he was an ‘amazing dad’.

By Ben Fishwick

Published 12th Jan 2021, 07:00 GMT

Updated 12th Jan 2021, 08:55 GMT

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Benjamin Ringe died after a crash involving the Vespa Piaggio scooter he was riding and a Mini Cooper in Copnor Road, near its junction with Torrington Road.

Today the family of Mr Ringe, who has a twin brother, has said he will be ‘deeply missed and forever loved’.

He died after the crash at 11.21pm on December 29 in Copnor Road, the street where he lives.

Benjamin Ringe died on December 29 after being in a crash involving the Vespa scooter he was riding and a Mini Cooper. Picture: Hampshire police

Benjamin Ringe died on December 29 after being in a crash involving the Vespa scooter he was riding and a Mini Cooper. Picture: Hampshire police

Tributes have also been left in messages on flowers left near to where Mr Ringe died.

In a tribute issued through Hampshire police, his family said: ‘Ben will be deeply missed and forever loved by all of his family, friends and all that have had the pleasure of knowing him.’

His twin brother added: ‘The best twin anyone could ever ask for. Love you always my brother.’

Ben’s partner said: ‘No words can describe how heartbroken we are to have to say goodbye to you.

Flower tributes at the scene of the fatal crash in New Road at the junction with Torrington Road, Portsmouth on 7 January 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

Flower tributes at the scene of the fatal crash in New Road at the junction with Torrington Road, Portsmouth on 7 January 2020. Picture: Habibur Rahman

‘You are an amazing dad and a great step-dad. We love you so much and will miss you more than you will ever know.

‘You will always be my best friend and my soulmate.’

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Flowers have been left near where the crash, including by those who tried to help.

One said: ‘We tried our best to save you... sorry it wasn't enough. RIP. J, J + M.’

Another said: ‘We wish we could done more to help you. RIP Ben.’

A further message added: ‘RIP Ben. Always in our hearts. Love Robbie, Jade and kids xxxxxx.’

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Other flowers had a note that said: ‘RIP Ben, miss your loads. BH for life!!! Feels like a dream.’

Another note said: ‘Ben. A good friend taken too soon. All my love.’

Traffic police are continuing an investigation into the tragic death.

Roads policing officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: ‘Officers are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the collision.

‘Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44200499342.’

Police previously appealed for anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward.

Mr Ringe’s next-of-kin are being supported by a specialist officer.

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