Family pays tribute to ‘one of a kind’ father who died in A283 collision

Monday, 17 August 2026 08:00

By Philip Keeler

43, Gary Parker from Faygate who sadly died - CREDIT: SUSSEX POLICE

The family of a motorcyclist who died following a collision near Petworth has paid tribute to an “amazing dad” whose personality “filled a room”.

Emergency services responded to the collision involving a car and a motorbike on the A283 London Road at around 1.30pm on Sunday, 9 August.

Despite receiving treatment from paramedics, 43-year-old motorcyclist Gary Parker, from Faygate near Horsham, was declared dead at the scene.

Paying tribute, his family said: "Gary was an amazing Dad — protective, charismatic, passionate and, above all, so, so funny.

"He had a personality that filled a room and a way of making people laugh that was completely his own. He lived life with passion and always put his heart into the things and people he cared about.

"He was loving and protective, always wanting the best for those he loved. His warmth, humour and larger-than-life character made him truly one of a kind.

"Gary will be remembered for his incredible sense of humour, his passion, his strength and the love he gave to those around him.

"He will be deeply missed, but the laughter, memories and love he gave will live on forever.

"Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten."

A woman travelling in the car involved in the collision sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Police officers are continuing their enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Cohen.

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