THE heartbroken family of a dad killed in a quad bike crash in Rowley Regis have paid tribute to him saying he was “known for his infectious positivity, kindness and ever-present smile.”
Rhys Antonio McDonald, aged 31, was killed when the quad bike he was riding was in collision with a car and a lorry on Oldbury Road close to Boundary Avenue.
Police were called to the scene shortly after 9.40pm on Friday August 23.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics the father-of-one was declared dead a short time later.
His heartbroken family have today (Tuesday September 3) issued a tribute to Rhys who was described as a loving father to his seven-year-old daughter Tiyana.
Police said they are still investigating the incident and appealed for the rider of a second quad bike to contact them.
The family statement said: “We are heartbroken.
“Rhys was a beacon of light in all our lives—known for his infectious positivity, kindness and ever-present smile.
“He was more than just a son, a brother and a father, he was a friend to everyone who knew him.
“Rhys was the cherished son of Jacqueline and Clive McDonald and a devoted brother to David, Michelle, Liam, Rhiann and Tia.
“But above all, he was the loving father of his seven-year-old daughter, Tiyana, who was his best friend and the centre of his world.
"Tiyana and Rhys shared an unbreakable bond and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled.”
Police appealed for the rider of a second quad bike who left the scene and they believe may have crucial information to contact them.
Detective Sergeant Rich Evans, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “We continue to investigate the collision and would appeal for witnesses or people with any information to please come forward.
"We would particularly urge the rider of a second quad bike who was in the vicinity of the collision at the time to come forward and speak to us.
"They didn’t wait at the scene and we believe they will hold valuable information regarding the circumstances of the collision."
Witnesses or people with information including dashcam footage can contact police via Live Chat on the website or by calling 101 quoting log number 5026 of August 23.
You can also get in touch with the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk
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