The family of a former soldier who grew up in Abercarn have paid tribute to his “infectious smile” after he was killed in a collision with a car whilst out cycling.
Jack Berry, 26, died last month after being hit by a white Skoda Octavia on the A48.
At around 7.20am on Saturday, October 28, the car collided with three cyclists on the A48 between the Cowbridge by-pass and Pentre Meyrick in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Jack, who was on a triathlon training ride, died at the scene.
A 36 year-old man was arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has since been released under investigation.
Jack’s family paid tribute to him in a statement:
“Jack was born in RAF Wegberg, Germany before spending his early childhood and schooldays in Abercarn. He was a keen sportsman playing rugby and football for local clubs in Abercarn and Blackwood as well as representing Cwmcarn High School in a variety of sports.
“Despite achieving great success in his GCSEs Jack had already made the decision to follow his parents into the British Army. He achieved great success both on the sports field, where he again represented the AGC in a number of sports, although by now his real talent was shining through on the rugby field where he played in the back row, displaying the positive attitude, steely determination and tireless work ethic that was to become the hallmark of his life.
“During his six years’ service Jack proudly served with B Coy, 2 Royal Welsh including a tour of Afghanistan where once again his positive mindset, sense of humour and infectious smile came to the fore. In 2014 Jack married Luisa and they were both happily enjoying married life in their home in Cardiff Bay.
“The last 12 months has seen Jack training and working as a chef at the Bush Inn, St Hilary where he not only demonstrated a talent for cooking but his uncanny knack of making friends across the generations and impacting everybody he encountered in a positive way. Whilst working at the Bush Inn he discovered a passion for Triathlon and tragically died whilst out on a training ride.
“He died, just as he lived his whole life, with a smile on his face and doing the things he loved with the people he loved. Jack was a loving husband, son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson and friend of so many people…he will be sorely missed.”
Police officers are continuing to investigate the collision and are still appealing for any witnesses, or anyone who may have seen the manner in which the car was being driven prior to the collision, to contact South Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 and quote reference 1700418785.