Tragedy as paralysed firefighter found dead

In the years that followed, Derek Andrew Tonks demonstrated the same determination he showed in getting his dream job, in his bid to live an independent life, despite his disability.

But it now appears that the years of suffering finally became too much to bear.

Mr Tonks' body was found at his Black Country home days ago, the victim of an apparent suicide.

Tributes were today pouring in for the 'amazing' man, who relatives said had refused to give up for years, despite everything life threw at him.

Mr Tonks, known as Andy, spent weeks in intensive care after his spine was crushed when his motorbike was involved a crash with a car in Noose Lane, Willenhall, as he rode to work at Handsworth Fire Station in June 1998.

Since the age of nine he had wanted to follow in the footsteps of his firefighter father, Derek.

He finally realised his ambition at the age of 28. He had done one shift and was on his way into work on June 5, 1998 for his second when the accident happened.

Following the crash he was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, with just the use of his right arm and right hand.

An inquest was opened on the 43-year-old bachelor, of Bloxwich Road North, Willenhall, yesterday.

Margaret Collins, the coroner's investigator based at Smethwick Council House, said Mr Tonks died on Tuesday.

She said: "Police attended a report there had been a cardiac arrest. On attending it became apparent at the scene there was a suggestion the male had taken his own life. There was nothing suspicious."

His mother Patricia Tonks, aged 61, paid tribute to her son, saying she and her husband Derek were glad to have had an extra 16 years with him following his accident, as they feared they had lost him.

She said she believed he had taken his own life as he had written letters to the police who found him, along with his mother, father and sister Deb Woodward.

Patricia, who said that her 'life was Andy', said: "We loved him. He was an amazing young man. As much as I miss him, I'm happy he is at peace."

She said Andy's interests spanned computers, remote-controlled cars and helicopters and he had a fascination with space. She spoke of the letter he wrote her, saying: "He said he was off to see the Andromeda Galaxy and maybe there he could walk again."

Patricia, of Fibbersley, Willenhall, said that in the past two years Mr Tonks' health had deteriorated to the point his mood dropped and he found it uncomfortable to sleep and sit down because of the pain.

She said that his strength of character showed in his determination to live independently after his accident, which he managed, and in his long struggle to reach his goal of becoming a firefighter. She said: "He was really proud of being a fireman. It took him more than 10 years to get there. He first tried when he was 17 and he didn't get in, he tried again and he had to wait until they were recruiting.

"Then he heard a lot of ex-military people were getting in, so he joined the RAF and that helped him when he went for it later.

"He got on a course in January 1998 and then in May 1998 the course ended. He started work, did one shift and then, on the way to his next one, he had his accident.

"All his dreams ended. Even after that he didn't give up. The last few years wore him down and it was so out of character. But he was such a strong, amazing person. He was such a nice person. Everyone liked him. Now he's gone, I just hope to God he's happy because we all loved him."

His sister Deb, a year younger than Andy and a mother to twins and a grandmother of one, added: "He tried and he tried and he tried and he finally got into the fire service. He was unbelievably brave. I don't know how he had the strength to do half the things he did. He was an amazing person."

Mr Tonks' funeral will be on February 17 at Bushbury Crematorium at 3pm. His family say they do not want flowers, just donations to Andy's favourite charities, The Fire fighters Charity and The Midlands Air Ambulance.