Father's grief at son's death in car crash

Flowers have been left at the scene of the crash

A GRIEVING father is today struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of his son in a crash at the weekend.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Friston where Luke Anthony Barham, 25, from Saxmundham, died after the car he was a passenger in crashed into ditch in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 24-year-old man from the Leiston area, believed to be his friend, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and drink driving. Police today said he had been released on bail until January 9.

Mr Barham's father, Chris, who is still in shock about the tragedy, said yesterday: “I don't think we will ever come to terms with it.

“One of his friends died in a similar way, and two of his friends died in a crash too.”

Luke, who worked at Sizewell Power Station and was brought up in Yoxford, had two sisters and a son of his own, Mackenzie. His father said he enjoyed going out with his friends and playing football- like “every other young person”.

Several relatives and friends left poignant messages attached to bouquets, which were placed at the scene of the crash.

Among them was one from his sister, which read: “To my one and only love, words cannot describe the pain I feel right now, they say time is great healer but no time and no one will ever replace the hole you've left in my heart.”

Others read: “I will miss you lots daddy. I love you. Mackenzie.”

“Words cannot describe how much you will be truly missed. Such a legend. I love you man. Will miss you. Aaron H.”

“To Luke, I can't believe you are gone. You were one in a million and your dad's house will never be the same without you there (or as noisy). Love you forever, Clare.”

“Always in our hearts. Hope they look after you up there. All our love, Diane, Jade and Sophie.”

Emergency services were called to the scene of the collision on the A1094 Aldeburgh Road, passed the Friston turning, at 12.30am, where a blue Alfa Romeo had left the road and collided with a telegraph pole, ending up in a ditch.

Mr Barham was taken to Ipswich Hospital where he later died.

Police are appealing for information following the collision and anyone who may have witnessed the collision should call Pc Daniel Ormes at the Police Headquarters Roads Policing Unit on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.