Tragedy of crash death motorcyclist

Oct 5 2005 By Tony Deeley, Birmingham Mail

A DOTING Midland father killed in a tragic motorcycle accident had found happiness with a new girlfriend following a marriage split, it emerged today.

Father-of-two Nigel Galbraith was in love with Angela Basterfield and it was only by chance she was not riding pillion with him, his elder brother, Darren Galbraith, revealed.

Nigel, aged 35, a self-employed plastering contractor, of Richards Close, Rowley Regis, was on his Suzuki GSXR motorbike in Manor Lane, Halesowen, on Sunday, with other motorcycling friends when it ploughed into a wall.

Police were today continuing their investigations into the accident, which happened about 4.50 pm on Sunday near Manor Lane's junction with Priory Road and involved no other vehicle.

Darren, aged 38, the elder of Nigel's two brothers, said the former St Michael's High School pupil was divorced from his former wife, Tracey, about twoanda- half years ago and had been living with Angela for just over four months.

"He was very much in love with her. She was important to him and I heard rumours they were planning on settling down," he said.

"He and Ange did their own little thing and had their own friends. They went out riding and normally she would have been on the back of the bike with him but on Sunday she did not feel very well and did not go."

Nigel was a loving father to his children, Chelsea, aged eight, and six-year-old Conners, his brother added.

He said: "We are devastated by his death. He loved his children. He doted on them and would do anything for them."

Neighbours also paid tribute to Nigel following the tragic crash, one woman saying: "He was a good neighbour and a devoted father. We shall all miss him."

Another neighbour said: "He was a nice chap and very helpful." Nigel's funeral, which friends are welcome to attend, will be held at Powke Lane Crematorium in Rowley Regis at 11.30 am next Wednesday.

An inquest into his death is expected to be opened later this week.

Anyone with information about the accident should contact the road policing unit at Halesowen police station on 0845 113 5000.