Tributes to victim of Bridgend road traffic collision

THE family of a man who died in hospital following a road traffic collision have paid tribute to a “loveable and colourful character”.

Jose Fernandez-Castro died at the Princess of Wales Hospital on October 31, following the collision on Sunday, October 20 on Tremains Road in Bridgend.

The 85-year-old was originally from Spain but had been a long-term resident of Bridgend.

Paying tribute, his family said: “Dad was a loveable and colourful character who moved to Bridgend from Cardiff almost two decades ago.

“After spending 39 years as a head chef in some of Cardiff’s best loved restaurants such as the Ty Mawr, the Derri, Taurus Steak House and Plymouth Arms to name a few, he settled to continue his retirement and occupy himself with gardening.

“He was best remembered for his straight-talking, wit and cheekiness, blended with his Spanish accent and Welsh ‘isms’, which could always light up a room.

“He was a hard-working, no-nonsense problem solver, who never let a problem stand in the way of a good solution.

“Born in La Cournia, his family migrated to South America whilst he sought to take on the challenges of a different country , and where better to do so than in Wales.

“He has not only left a unfillable hole in Kurt and Ferrol’s lives, but he will be sorely missed from a community who cared for him as much as we did; whether it be morning exercises at the pool, long walks in Porthcawl and Ogmore or sharing a bit of time with someone who needed it.”

South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision, which involved Mr Fernandez-Castro’s bicycle and a grey Citroen C2.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the moments prior to the collision, or who has dash-cam or mobile phone footage which could assist the investigation.

Please contact 101, quoting occurrence 1900387960.