Man who died in crash 'could light up the sky'

4 hours ago

Maisie LillywhiteGloucestershire

News image — Aspiring helicopter pilot Zachariah Wolfson was "deeply loved", his family said

Gloucestershire Constabulary A young man with blonde hair smiles as he sits on a stone ledge at a ruined site. His hands are resting on his knees and he is wearing a black coat and black trousers — Aspiring helicopter pilot Zachariah Wolfson was "deeply loved", his family said

An aspiring pilot who died in a crash in the Cotswolds has been remembered by his family for his "smile that could light up the sky".

Zachariah Wolfson, 20, was killed when his Honda CB650R motorcycle was involved in a crash with a white Volkswagen transporter panel van at Trafalgar Crossroads on the B4077 near Temple Guiting on 29 April.

Remembering their son, Wolfson's family said he was "ready for an adventure at the drop of a hat" and wanted to become a pilot from an early age.

The driver of the van, a man in his 20s from Worcestershire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, before being released under investigation while enquiries continue.

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Wolfson, who was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, moved to Oxfordshire with his family when he was 15.

"He didn't just move through his days; he infected all the people around him with his presence," his family said.

"He raced downhill mountain bikes from the age of eight, and in later years took up trials bike riding, rebuilt and rode a motocross bike, and most recently loved taking to the open roads on a beautiful spring afternoon on his beloved Honda."

Wolfson had just returned to the UK from South Africa, where he spent six weeks with family and friends, and planned to work towards his dream of becoming a helicopter pilot.

Gloucestershire Constabulary A young man stands on a driveway with his hand resting on the handlebars of a black and gold motorcycle. There are two dark painted garage doors behind him and a large white van beside him. He is wearing a black coat and has blond hair. He is smiling. — Zachariah Wolfson had just returned from a six-week trip to his native South Africa when he died

Wolfson's family added he was "deeply loved" by his parents, his three siblings, his partner, and his friends.

"We know that the silence and the hole he leaves behind is profound," his family said.

"Zachariah was a young man who burned bright, who loved deeply, and has taught us all that life isn't a dress rehearsal, it is an experience to be grabbed with both hands."

Gloucestershire Constabulary has asked anyone with information related to the crash to contact the force.

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