Family pay tribute to former Axe Valley coach driver who died when he was run over by his own vehicle

The family of a former Axe Valley coach driver who died when he was run over by his own vehicle have paid tribute to “a true gentleman”.

Jeremy Takel, 50, who worked for several years for Sewards Coaches, at Dalwood, was killed when he tried to stop his runaway vehicle at Lee Mill, near Plymouth, last month.

The tragic accident happened after he got out to investigate a fault and the vehicle rolled forward.

Former colleague Richard Long told The Herald he had bravely been trying to stop the bus as it began to run away with the passengers on board.

Now, in a statement, issued through police, his family have thanked the emergency services for their “dedication and the assistance” given to him at the scene of the accident, also the staff at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth when he arrived there.

They continued: “We would also like to send our sincere thanks to the people at Lee Mill, Plymouth, for going to his aid, whilst waiting for the emergency services to attend and their kind support to the passengers received by them.

“We sincerely thank everyone for all the loving thoughts, cards and kind messages of sympathy received during this sad time.

He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends.

“He had been driving coaches for over 25 years and loved his job with a passion, trying his upmost that all his passengers had good holidays and trips. He would go out of his way to help and assist people. He was a true gentleman who was courteous at all times.”

* Mr Tikel learnt to drive coaches at Sewards and spent several years working for the company, becoming well known in the Axminster area. He formerly lived at Combpyne, before moving to Tiverton.

A spokeswoman at the coach firm said: “It is very sad, he was a lovely guy. He did a lot of private hire with us but he left quite a few years ago.”