THE family of a soldier killed in a motorbike crash in Suffolk last night paid tribute to a “true character”.

An inquest into the death of Jason Callistan, of Yarrow Drive, in Carlton Colville has been opened and adjourned.

The 30-year-old Royal Engineer, who had 12 years of service behind him, was riding his black Yamaha motorbike when it was in collision with a white Ford Transit van near the A143’s junction with Sumner Road at Hepworth last Wednesday.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance was sent out to treat the rider, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A statement issued by his family told how he was “devoted to his country, family and friends”.

The family told how the motorcyclist had been “tragically taken” from them and how he would be remembered as a “true character who will shine in our hearts forever”.

His funeral will be held next Thursday at 1pm at St Margaret’s Church in Lowestoft to be followed by a celebration of his life at The Wherry Hotel, Lowestoft.

An investigation into his death is ongoing and a full inquest hearing into his death will be held at a later date.

He became the 18th person to be killed on the county’s roads so far this year. The driver of the van was unhurt.

The A143 was closed for about four hours while police crash investigators examined the scene.

Police have asked anyone who may have been travelling along the A143 at the time to come forward if they saw either vehicle prior to the crash.

Anyone with information about the death of Mr Callistan should call Sgt Bob Patterson at the police’s serious collision investigation team at Martlesham on 01473 613500.