Fatal A140 Little Stonham crash victim named as Austrin McKenna

Austrin McKenna (Image: Archant)

Austrin Samuel Maitland McKenna, aged 51 and from Wetheringsett, suffered serious injuries in the three-vehicle crash on Saturday.

Also known as Sam, Mr McKenna, a father of one, was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he later died.

A tribute released by his family this afternoon read: “Aus was a unique soul who lived life to the full.

“He was a natural artist from a creative family and a skilled cabinet maker turning his hand to all aspects of woodwork with a special talent for carving.

“He created a wide variety of bespoke pieces including gypsy wagons, wooden homes and fine furniture.

“He had a lifelong ambition to restore his 1890s showman’s wagon to its former glory and had more recently enjoyed planning renovations on a timber cabin in which he owned together with his wife Natalie.

“They spent happy times discussing their plans and future involving both projects.

“Aus had an ability to engage with people and had a wide circle of friends primarily due to his warm, approachable personality.

“He was able to put people at ease and was generous, kind, gentle, loving, sensitive and thoughtful.

“He was knowledgeable, reflective, forgiving and never held a grudge.

“This led him to be able to form strong bonds with people who would look to him for advice and support not only in their everyday lives but also in times of crisis and distress.

“Leading an alternative lifestyle, he was able to share his experiences with a sense of humour that everyone enjoyed.”

Mr McKenna had one son, Jools, who he “absolutely doted on” and was a loving and supportive father to his stepdaughter Larni, who is currently teaching in Japan.

Father to only son Jools and a well accomplished horseman, his family added: “Aus’s unique life experiences enabled him to show a high level of empathy not only to his fellow man but also to the animals in his life.

“He enjoyed time with his pony and trap which allowed him to be outdoors and have personal space.

“He was an accomplished horseman and had an innate gift to train even the most challenging of horses.

“Aus was a father to his only son Jools whom he absolutely doted on.

“Together they shared a love of history which led to many days out at museums and places of historical interest in which they both thoroughly enjoyed.

“Although he was only married to Natalie for 18 months prior to his tragic death this relationship brought them both immense love and happiness which was obvious to all.

“Aus will be sorely missed by Natalie, Jools and Larni, but also his mother and step-father Sally and Stewart McKenna, father Bruer Tidman, sisters Jessica and Martha, brother Joseph and half-brother Reuben Martin.

“The family would like to thank everybody for their support and kind messages at this devastating time.”

Mr McKenna’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 3 at Seven Hills Crematorium, Felixstowe Road, Nacton at 3.45pm.

Family flowers only with donations to The friends of the Brian Hore Unit.

• Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have information, should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Suffolk Police by calling 101 and quoting CAD 213 of April 15.