Tributes to hit-and-run dad killed in Florida
TRIBUTES were today paid to a Midland businessmen and a colleague killed by a hit-and-run Porsche driver who was involved in an illegal street race in Florida.
Dad-of-three Kenneth Watkinson, 48, who lived near Leamington Spa, was mown down as he walked back to a hotel near Fort Lauderdale beach.
He died with father-of-two Craig Elford, 39 and from Banbury, Oxfordshire.
The pair were in the United States to recruit people for a healthcare company. They are both listed as directors of the Stratford-based Ingala Healthcare Ltd and the Warwick-based Concept Medical Ltd.
A visitor to an American website paid tribute to Mr Watkinson.
He said: “Kenneth was a father to three children, and I am fortunate enough to have known Ken very well. He lit up every party and family or social event that he attended. He will be sadly missed, a great friend and a great triathlete.”
US Police said the driver, who was racing another sports car on the 30mph road, fled after the crash.
Witnesses described seeing the cars hurtling along at 100mph in the early hours of Friday.
Police believe the Porsche lost control and swerved on to the beach-front pavement, hitting the men from behind.
Police in Florida are still searching for the two drivers and one of the cars involved in the hit-and-run.
The white Porsche GT2 was found abandoned with damage to the windscreen and bodywork.
Police said that they had identified the owner of the £110,000 car, which was not reported stolen before the incident, and that they expected to make an arrest within 24 hours.
British consular officials have been liaising with police to arrange for the men’s bodies to be returned to the UK.
