Dad-of-three killed in crash while driving his mum’s ashes home from airport

Ralph Ellis, 68, died in a crash on the M25 (Picture: Blake Ellis/SWNS)

A ‘brilliant’ dad-of-three was killed in a crash on the M25 while driving his mother’s ashes home from the airport.

Ralph Ellis had visited his sick mum in South Africa, who subsequently died, and was driving home from Gatwick Airport on December 16 when the accident happened.

The 68-year-old, from Aylsham in Norfolk, had her ashes in the car at the time.

Ralph, who was due to become a grandfather in February, leaves behind his children, Tess, Alex and Blake.

Blake, the youngest, said his dad would be ‘truly missed’.

‘He was a brilliant dad and very active, teaching us how to swim, ride bikes and play sports,’ he added.

“He was everything you’d expect from a dad, kind and loving.

‘It’s been traumatic losing him and it hasn’t really set in yet, to be honest.’

Ralph with his family. From left to right, Tess Ellis, Ralph Ellis, Alexander Ellis, Adaze Ellis, Pam Horrocks and Blake Ellis (Picture: Blake Ellis/SWNS)

Ralph moved to Norwich in the 1980s (Picture: Blake Ellis / SWNS)

The father-of-three was originally from Essex (Picture: Blake Ellis/SWNS)

Blake said his father had had a few health issues later in life ‘but nothing which ever let him get down or set him back.- he was a very positive person.’

He added: ‘Dad loved his snooker, football and had green fingers, really enjoying his gardening.

‘He also loved listening to live music, mainly rock and blues, and going to live shows.

‘He will truly missed and everyone in the family loved him very much.’

Ralph was born in Basildon, Essex, but moved to Norfolk in the 1980s to set up a window cleaning business.

Essex Police said officers were called to the anti-clockwise carriageway on the M25 between junction 27 and 28 at 11am on December 16.

They confirmed one man died at the scene and two others were taken to hospital.

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