Graham Mallinson
Mallinson, 72, was a retired engineer from Newick, in East Sussex. Keen on photographing vintage aircraft, he was at Shoreham to capture one of the last flights of the Vulcan bomber. His family described the husband and father as “the kindest and most generous man”, adding that he was “at the right place at the wrong time, doing what he loved best on a beautiful summer’s day”.
Mark Trussler
Trussler, 54, a window cleaner, had taken his motorbike for a spin to Shoreham as he wanted to see the last flight of the Vulcan. He was described as a much-loved son, dad, fiance, brother and cousin. He had six children, his youngest being a two-year-old girl. His fiancee, Giovanna Chirico, said: “It was a nice day and I texted him when the flight was due. He replied saying I should get the kids ready so we could take them out to lunch on his return. I said I loved him and he replied: ‘I love you too, forever.’”
Matthew Grimstone
Grimstone, 23, was a goalkeeper for Worthing United FC. Known to his friends as “Grimbles”, he is survived by his parents, Sue and Phil, and brothers, David and Paul, from Brighton. His family described him as “the kindest person you could ever meet with a great wit”.
Jacob Schilt
Schilt, 23, was a midfielder for Worthing United FC. A University of Portsmouth graduate, Schilt was set to study a master’s degree at the University of Brighton. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Caroline, sister Louise and grandfather John. His girlfriend, Megan Duffy, said she was sure the couple would have “grown up, got married, had babies and moved to Brighton”.
Matt Jones
Jones, 24, from Littlehampton, recently returned from travelling in India and Australia, and had just celebrated passing his level three practical exam to become a personal trainer. He was driving his BMW on the A27 on the way to the beach to meet friends. Jones leaves behind parents Hazel and Richard, and sister Becky, who described him as “the best son, brother and uncle to my girls”.
Maurice Abrahams
Chauffeur Abrahams, 76, from Brighton, was on his way to pick up a bride-to-be to drive her to her wedding when his beloved Daimler limousine was engulfed in flames. A former soldier and police officer, Maurice was described by family as “a well-respected and loved father and husband”. He served with the Grenadier Guards and the Parachute Regiment and in Cyprus and Bahrain with the UN.
Mark Reeves
Design technician Reeves, 53, from Seaford, was said by family to have died combining two of his favourite hobbies, having ridden his cherished Honda motorbike to Shoreham to photograph the planes at the airshow. Described as a sun worshipper and keen holidaymaker, a family tribute said he would be remembered as a husband to Wendy, father to Luke, grandfather to three grand-daughters, brother to Denise and son of Ann and Kenneth.
Daniele Polito
Polito, 23, a father of one, was travelling with friend Matt Jones when he died. His sister Marina paid tribute to him on Facebook, saying: “I know many people loved him and will miss him loads, but as long as we keep him in our hearts and memories, he will never really leave us. I miss you loads already little (big) bro! Keep making people smile, love you always.”
Tony Brightwell
Brightwell, 53, was an avid aircraft enthusiast with a private pilot’s licence. He had cycled to the airshow to watch the planes and was said by family to be “excited about seeing one of the last flights of the Vulcan bomber”. A healthcare manager for Sussex Partnership NHS and Brighton and Hove city council, his fiancee, Lara Ashby, described him as “the love of my life, my soulmate”.
Richard Smith
Smith, 26, set out from his home in Hove to meet his friend Dylan Archer for a bike ride into the South Downs to join another friend. He was described as lively and good humoured. He worked in marketing and web development at ActSmart, an independent company based in Hove, specialising in providing advice to the cycle industry. He grew up in Buckinghamshire before going to university in Birmingham. His employer described him as a “truly unique individual; highly intelligent and creative with a great sense of humour”.
Dylan Archer
IT consultant Archer, 42, was on a cycle ride with Richard Smith on a bike he made himself. He was described as a kind and loving father, partner, brother, grandson and friend. Archer grew up in the Midlands and moved to Brighton in 1991, and was said to love the South Downs where he would regularly cycle. He left behind Alice, his partner of 17 years, their two sons aged 15 and 12, his sister Ruth and two-year-old niece.
