Tributes flood in for Matthew (From This Is Wiltshire)

Tributes flood in for Matthew

2:30pm Friday 4th July 2008 in

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A PROMISING young jockey has become the third person to die at an accident blackspot within the space of a year.

Matthew Puckett, 22, of Round Barrow Close, Colerne, crashed his silver Volvo S40 into a row of trees on the A420 between the Castle Combe junction and Biddestone crossroads at 6.45pm on Monday.

Tributes from his friends, family and work colleagues have been flooding in since his death.

The tragedy follows two deaths on the same road within a year. Student Daniel England, 18, was killed at Marshfield when his car collided with a bus just over a fortnight ago, and former special constable and motorcyclist Andrew Gough, 41, was killed at the Biddestone crossroads in August last year.

Wiltshire County Council is just weeks away from installing flashing crossroad safety signs at the spot where Mr Puckett died.

The former pupil of Colerne Primary School and The Corsham School, who dreamed of competing at the Olympics and Badminton Horse Trials, died at the scene of the crash.

Mr Puckett is survived by his younger brother Sam and parents John Puckett and Nicola Williams, who divorced in his early life.

Matthew was described by his family in a statement as very popular, determined and a lover of animals. The family's statement said: "Matt's young life came to an abrupt end when all his hopes and dreams were just becoming reality.

"Matt achieved more in his 22 years than many people only aspire to. His sense of fun and zest for life will never be replaced.

"Those that were lucky enough to have been touched by Matt can only feel blessed to have known him. And our lives will never be quite the same again."

When Mr Puckett left school he worked at the stables at Lucknam Park Hotel. He went on to work in the livery yard at Hudds Farm in Westwood near Bradford on Avon for four years, before realising his dream of owning a livery stable in April.

Jenny Morris had been Mr Puckett's friend since they were in Year 6 at Colerne Primary School. She said: "I just can't believe this has actually happened to such an outstanding and admirable person. I would give anything to have Matthew back in my life as would everybody that knew him."

A close friend of Mr Puckett, who worked with him in the livery yard at Hudds Farm, said: "He was just the best friend. He was one of those people you could talk to about anything. It didn't need to happen to him."

Andy Kingan, who is head of sixth form at The Corsham School, said: "He was always a very sociable and happy individual with a great sense of humour. It's such a shock."

Bernice Marshallsay, who owns the Hudds Farm Livery Stables, said: "I have no doubt in my mind had he not so cruelly been taken from us we may have seen Matt competing at Badminton in the not so distant future."

Lyndsey Rodwell, manager at the West Wilts Equestrian Centre in Holt and had known Mr Puckett for five years, paid tribute to his riding skills. She said: "He was a very brave rider and was talented enough to deal with most horses."

Tributes were left on the Wiltshire Times website this week as friends and family paid their respects, which included: "Matt, you were destined for the top. If anyone was going to make it big with horses it was you."

Another said: "Matt, you were such a kind and loving person and a truly great friend. We will all miss you so much."

An inquest into his death was due to be opened at Salisbury Coroner's Court either yesterday or today.

A police investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues.