Family’s heartfelt words for crash victim

Apr 28 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

TRIBUTES were last night paid to a talented Wirral-born chef killed in a car crash while on his way to work.

Ben Stuart Williams, 25, died when his Toyota hit a concrete wall on the A494 near Ruthin, North Wales, early on Friday morning.

The award-winning chef, who once cooked for Tiger Woods, was on his way to the Lever Brothers factory, in Port Sunlight, Wirral, where he was head chef, when the fatal accident occurred.

He was pronounced dead at the scene near to the Vale Country Club.

At the roadside yesterday was a single rose left in his memory.

Ben grew up in Bebington and recently moved to Pwllglas, near Ruthin. He was a passionate Liverpool FC supporter and a keen runner who took part in marathons for cancer charities, following the death of his mother, Julie, to the disease two years ago.

His devastated family yesterday told of their heartbreak. In a statement, they said: “Ben Williams was a 25-year old man who, originally from Bebington, had a month ago moved to Ruthin and was living with one of his sisters and family.

“Ben was an award-winning head chef with a string of accolades to his name, among which were being the youngest ever sous-chef at The Village in Bromborough, and having cooked for Tiger Woods whilst working at the Belfry.

“This gentle giant with the melting smile was not your average young man in his 20s, his passion for all aspects of life and the dedication he put into everything he turned his hand to, saw him run a number of marathons for cancer charities, the disease to which he had lost his mother two years ago.

“He continually strived to improve himself in all that he did, and to help others. As a family man, Ben always had time for those around him and would visit them regularly, his two young nieces played a very important part in his life.

“Another key passion in Ben’s life was his love of football and specifically the support and enjoyment he had with being one of Liverpool FC’s biggest fans.

“The news of Ben's tragic death has hit not only his family but also the huge number of friends and collea-gues whose lives Ben has touched.

“Ben’s family – his sisters Melody, Linda, Caren, his brother Gareth and his father Gary would like to extend their thanks to all for sympathy and support they have received in this difficult time.”

A number of tributes from friends were left on the Facebook website, where his interests are listed as including football, music and rugby.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the tragedy on Friday to come forward.

stevebagnall