THE heartbroken parents of a Wembley man killed in a motorbike crash have paid tribute to their gentle son who will always be remembered for his beautiful smile.
Jerome Jason Richards, who would have celebrated his 31st birthday this Christmas Eve, died after after his bike collided with a van in Harrowdene Road, Wembley, on Friday (Oct 30).
It is believed the motorcyclist smashed his purple Kawasaki into the white Peugeot van which was reversing out of a driveway. The motorcycle then hit a parked car.
Despite frantic efforts to keep Jerome alive he was pronounced dead at the scene at around 4.10pm. A post mortem revealed he died of multiple injuries.
The tragedy has left a massive void in the lives of his parents Paget and Audrey, along with his three siblings Christine, Dean and youngest brother Kyle.
Paying tribute to Jerome from their home in Harley Close, Wembley, his devastated family said: "Jerome has been cut down in the prime of his life. He was a person that continually aspired for greater and bigger things. He was the one that you could always rely on in your time of need whether great of small.
"The first thing that would strike you about him would be his Colgate smile, his polite demeanour, his gentle manner, winning personality and wickedly sharp humour.
"Jerome was the kind of person you wished was your sibling or someone you could call a friend."
One of the family's fondest memories of Jerome is when he was featured in a newspaper
dancing at a special hip hop break-dance competition, hosted by DJ Tim Westwood, at Vale Farm Sports Centre in 1985.
Since the accident flowers and tributes have been left by the spot where Jerome died.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward to piece together what happened. No one has been arrested.
Anyone with information should call the North West Collision Investigation Unit on 0208 998 5319.
