Parents' tribute to son killed in crash

By Danielle Nuttall

A DEVASTATED couple paid tribute last night to their loving son who died in an accident on a former air base.

Adam Brand, 19, was killed in a road accident following the East Coast Extreme car show at the former Bentwaters air base in Rendlesham, near Woodbridge, on Sunday.

Mr Brand had been at the two-day event with a large group of friends and it is understood to have been walking on the on the privately-owned airfield side of the base when he was involved in a collision with a bus.

His heartbroken parents, Susan and Gary Brand, of Bramford Road, Ipswich, paid a moving tribute last night to the popular teenager, who leaves a 17-year-old brother, Matthew.

“Adam would have done anything for anybody. I was so proud of him. It hasn't hit us yet, we keep crying,” said Mrs Brand.

“He was just so special. I just think nowadays if you have two boys who are special, you're the luckiest mum in the world.

“We have just come back from hospital and there were loads of his friends there. When we see how much he was loved by everyone, it helps. They were all like a big family.

“I was very proud to be his mum and I'm very proud to have had him for 19 years. I know it was short, but I had him for 19 years and that's better than nothing.”

The former Westbourne High School pupil worked for electricity meter providers Actaris in Felixstowe. Until Christmas, he was a manager at the East Anglian Go-Karting Centre.

The accident happened on the privately-owned airfield side of the air base, which is owned by Bentwaters Parks, at about 7.50pm on Sunday.

Mr Brand was airlifted by the RAF search and rescue helicopter direct from the scene, but was pronounced dead on arrival at Ipswich Hospital.

The couple last saw their son on Saturday when he returned home for a quick bath after spending the day at Bentwaters. He then went out again, saying he would see them the next day.

Mrs Brand said she knew something had happened to her son when she saw a policeman on her doorstep.

“It was just unbelievable. We saw a policeman at the door and he said 'Mrs Brand' and I just knew,” she added.

“I said 'You're going to tell me something has happened to my son?' And he said he was. I said 'Was it bad?' and he said 'Sorry, but it is'.”

Friends of the teenager, who was passionate about cars, especially his own Golf GTI, have been struggling to come to terms with their loss and have placed floral tributes at the scene of the tragedy.

“They all looked out for each other and were so close. He was very popular. He was one of the most loving boys you could ever meet. He was a treasure to have. He never brought any trouble home,” said Mrs Brand.

“You don't often get a 19-year-old that will kiss their mum in front of their mates.

“Adam was always happy. He lived life to the full. He had a deep sensitive side. His family was very close.”

An investigation into Mr Brand's death has been launched and an inquest will be held in due course.

Anne-Marie Breach, a spokeswoman for Suffolk police, said yesterday: “It's thought the bus was one of two being used to transport visitors around the site during the day as part of the East Coast Extreme event.

“Police are asking anyone who was on the site around 8pm, who has not yet spoken to officers, to get in touch and officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have video/camera phone footage of the buses prior to or at the time of the collision.”

Sarah Brown, airfield manager, said: “Bentwaters Parks wish to pass on their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man tragically killed last night after the East Coast Extreme event.

“The incident happened at around 8pm on Sunday night after the event had finished and all public and exhibitors had left the site. The incident involved East Coast Extreme organisers and their staff.”

East Coast Extreme was unavailable for comment yesterday. Anyone with information should contact Pc Dave Taylor, of Suffolk police, on 01473 613730.

danielle.nuttall@eadt.co.uk