Tributes paid to family man killed in motorbike crash

Robert 'Claude' Christopher, aged 39, died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the scene of the crash in Oldbury Road, Rowley Regis on Monday following a crash with two cars.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Christopher, of Regis Heath Road, who was a member of a biking group.

A close family member, who did not want to be named, said: "Robert was a great, great man, more like a brother to me than a friend.

"There was no such thing as a bad situation for him, he turned everything into an absolute positive and always did it with a smile on his face.

"He lived for his family and for our bike group, Ruff Ryders. He had been a keen biker for many years and everybody in the biking community loved him, you couldn't help but not.

"It's hard to believe he's gone, but he should be remembered as the fun loving family man he was."

Flowers have been left at the scene, with one message saying: "RIP ride free."

Tributes have also been paid on Facebook to Mr Christopher, who was also known as 'Trriple A' in the biking community.

Jonathan 'Jaytee' Thompson posted: "R.I.P Claud Robert Trriple A Christopher Gone too soon, but will see you again some day soldier."

Chris Nwb said: "Sad to say that one of my brothers life has been taken away from us today! RIP Claude Robert Trriple A Christopher you will be missed bro see you when I get there."

Caroline Magnificent Fuller said: "Claude I still can't believe you're gone. You'll always be in our hearts R.I.PRobert Trriple A Christopher."

Members of the Rowley Regis-based Evolution and Spitfire MCC of Birmingham have paid their respects at the scene of the tragedy.

Richard Clarke, aged 34, who is part of the Evolution Riders in Rowley Regis, said he didn't know Mr Christopher but wanted to 'pay respects to a fellow biker.'

Crash investigators have appealed for witnesses to the collision. Pc Chris Ridge has said police understand Mr Christopher was riding with another biker along Oldbury Road towards Blackheath when the accident happened and believe after viewing CCTV several people were walking along the road at the time.

Anyone with information on the crash should contact the police on 101.

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman Murray McGregor said paramedics found the rider was in cardiac arrest and immediately started resuscitation.

He added: "They carried out advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene. No-one in either of the cars was injured."