Wolverhampton father killed in crash named locally as more than £2,500 raised in his memory
There has been a massive outpouring of grief following the death of a popular Wolverhampton father in a fatal car crash at the weekend.
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Ben Smith, 41, also known as Beez, died after the Ford Focus he was driving crashed into a wall on Penn Road, Wolverhampton on Saturday (March 1).
Floral tributes, candles and trinkets have been left at the scene.
Within five hours more than 60 people had donated to a GoFundMe fundraising page raising over £2,500.
Family friend Roxanne Afzal set up the fundraising page.
She said: "Absolutely heart breaking to be writing this we’re setting this up to help at such a sad time to take a little weight off the worry of costs for Ben's family.
"Saturday was the worse day for Ben's family and friend's to hear the sad news of such a tragic accident. Any donation would go a little way to help towards helping his family and his children for costs that are due to come for them."
Ben grew up in Warstones but eventually settled just five minutes from where he died.
His loved ones left notes at the spot he died on Saturday night, one reading: "We're absolutely devastated... Fly high my partner in crime. Love you always and forever."
Fascinated by cars and bikes from a young age Ben became a mechanic. He was a familiar face around off-road circuits and tracks, often racing scramblers or taking his children racing.
Animal lover Ben also used to breed Staffordshire Bull Terriers and had enjoyed drinking cider with friends in pubs across Wolverhampton, the Black Country and Staffordshire.
Paaj posted: "Got no words, I'll miss you so much. I've got mad love for you. RIP to one of the best I knew my brother for life.
Dave Hill posted on Facebook: "RIP Ben Smith. Gutted. Hope you cause some havoc up there mate."
Tom Burdett, who donated £500 to Ben's fund, said: "I'm lost for words RIP to my pal Ben Smith.
Andrew Nicholls saw Ben on the day he died, he posted on Facebook: "Didn't think yesterday was gonna be our last cider together bro. My heart goes out to your family."
