The final death toll of the Shoreham air disaster is increasingly likely to be 11, rather than as many as 20, as was previously feared, police have said.
Investigations into the reasons behind the incident are continuing, as more debris was recovered from the site on Tuesday and the search for victims went on.
In an update posted on YouTube, Asst Ch Con Steve Barry of Sussex police said he was relieved that no further victims had been found after the 1950s Hawker Hunter fighter jet was removed from the site in West Sussex on Monday.
“So it is now 11 people that we are classifying as highly likely as being victims of the air crash, and it’s becoming increasingly likely that that will be the final figure,” he said.
“We have to urge some caution though because we haven’t completed our full forensic examination of the crash site, which is very extensive, and there is always the possibility that some family or friends have yet to contact the police with their concerns.”
The West Sussex coroner Penny Schofield has already appealed for the public’s “patience and understanding”, saying it may take several weeks before all investigations are completed.
Four victims have been named by friends and family, and two other people have been identified as missing since the disaster on Saturday.
Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, both 23 and Worthing United footballers, Matt Jones, a 24-year-old personal trainer, and Maurice Abrahams, 76, from Brighton, chauffeur of a Daimler wedding car, are among those who have died.
It is feared that young father Daniele Polito, who was travelling in the same car as Jones when the plane crashed, and motorcyclist Mark Trussler, from Worthing, have also been killed. More than 200 people have reported concerns about missing friends and relatives.
The plane’s pilot, Andrew Hill, is fighting for his life after being put into a medically induced coma. His family have said they are “devastated and deeply saddened for the loss of life” and offered their “prayers and heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected at this difficult time”.
Schilt’s family paid tribute to a “kind, loyal and exceptional young man”. The young footballer graduated from Portsmouth University last summer and was set to start a master’s degree in planning at the University of Brighton in September. Previously a student at Varndean College, he captained the football team and used to play for Patcham United and Hove Riverdale.
His parents, Bob and Caroline Schilt, and girlfriend Megan Duffy, 22, were on their way to watch the match when they heard he had not arrived, the Brighton Argus reported.
“Jacob was a generous, kind, loyal and exceptional young man. He loved his family and friends and he loved living life to the full,” they said. “He will be missed always by his parents,” the family said. “Megan, his girlfriend, has been robbed of the life and future they were planning together. We really appreciate everybody’s messages of support.”
Despite strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday, the makeshift shrine to the victims on Old Shoreham footbridge has continued to expand. Among those who left tributes are the girlfriend and family of Worthing United footballer Schilt.
Megan Duffy wrote: “Hi Babe! I don’t even know what to say. You were the love of my life and I am sure that we would have grown up got married, had babies... That will never happen now but I will always love you and you will always be a part of me. I will forever cherish all the memories that we shared.”
Another signed, “Mum, Dad, Louise & Johnny – your devoted Grandfather” reads: “Dearest Jacob. Wherever you are now, please be sure that you are in our thoughts and hearts for every moment of every day for as long as we live. We will always love you, our gorgeous, beautiful, talented boy with a smile that lit up a room and brought joy to our hearts. God bless you.”
On Tuesday morning there was also a banner remembering Matt Jones with photos of the personal trainer attached to the bridge. Friends had also left champagne bottles and a can of Strongbow as tributes to him.
An official Shoreham air show fund has been set up by the Sussex Community Foundation on behalf of Adur district council, West Sussex county council and Worthing borough council.
By lunchtime on Tuesday, almost £8,000 had been raised. Neil Hopkins, head of communications at Adur and Worthing councils, said: “Many people have come forward expressing a wish to make a financial donation for those affected by the Shoreham air show tragedy.”
A friend of Jones has set up a Facebook group to try to find a Toyota Celica. He posted: “My mate was killed in the Shoreham air show this wknd. This was his car a few years ago we’d love to get it to his funeral or one that looks the same. If you’ve got the car or one that’s very similar give us a message and let us know if you’d be willing to come along for the day. We’ll cover your costs and feed ya. Ash.”
The post has since been shared 20,000 times with people offering to drive their cars from across the country.
Question marks remain over the circumstances of the disaster, in which a stretch of the A27 in West Sussex was enveloped in a fireball as the vintage jet failed to complete a loop and crashed into cars at 1.20pm on Saturday.
Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB) investigators are examining the wreckage in Farnborough, Hampshire. On Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced restrictions on “high-energy acrobatics” displays by vintage jets at air shows until further notice. Hawker Hunters, which date from the 1950s, have been grounded since Saturday.
The AAIB is expected to issue its interim report in the next few days. It is believed that the Hawker Hunter’s seats were in place when it was found on the ground, which suggests the pilot may not have ejected before impact. The jet is understood to have not been carrying a black box flight recorder.
The regulator said: “The CAA will conduct additional risk assessments on all forthcoming civil air displays to establish if additional measures should be introduced.”
