UPDATED: Tributes have been paid to 21-year-old Island lad Reese Mitchell, who tragically died following a road traffic collision on Military Road on Sunday.
As previously reported by Island Echo, emergency services were called to the scene near Atherfield at around 14:45 on Sunday afternoon after a motorcycle and a car were involved in a serious collision. Sadly, Reese, from Brading, died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained.
Just hours before the fatal collision Reese took to social media to ask ‘anyone up for a ride today’, tragically not to know that it would be his last.
A 70-year-old man, who was driving a Jeep Cherokee 4×4, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and investigations into the circumstances behind the crash continue.
UPDATED: The unidentified 70-year-old driver has been bailed by Police to return on 8th January 2016.
Island Echo understands Reese was found some distance from his motorcycle, which became wedged under the 4×4.
In a statement issued today, the family of Reese Mitchell have said:
“Reese Mitchell, the 21 year old son of Richard and Tracey-Ann Mitchell, sadly passed away following a collision between him on his motorcycle and a car on Sunday afternoon on the Island’s Military Road.
Article continues below this advertisement “Reese is the only child of Richard and Tracey and will be sadly missed by them and their extended family and the many friends that he had.
“Reese grew up on the Island and worked as a Scaffolder for a local company.”
Friends have taken to Island Echo’s Facebook page to express their condolences.
“So sad! Was such a lovely guy Thinking of his family. Heaven’s gained”.
“No words… Ride Free”.
“Rest in peace mate, you will be missed by so many xx”.
Police investigating the exact circumstances of the collision would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area around the time of the collision, particularly any drivers who may have seen the Jeep Cherokee and two motorcycles before the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to call on 101 quoting Operation Poet. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
