Family pay tribute to man who died on M11

A family have paid tribute to a “loving husband, father, son and friend to many” who died on the M11 near Grantchester on Wednesday afternoon (6 July).

Paul Searle, 62, was driving a yellow Ultima Can Am along a northbound slip road on the M11, just off from the A603, when the vehicle left the road and went into a wooded area.

Police received a report at about 5.20pm and emergency services attended, but Mr Searle, of Coles Lane, Oakington, died at the scene.

In a statement, Mr Searle’s family said: “Paul was a loving husband, father, son and friend to many and will be sorely missed.

“He dedicated the last 20 years of his life to both spreading the word of the gospel and helping those in need. As a direct result of Paul’s charitable work over 2.77 million people in Africa now have access to safe drinking water and a further 16,000 are able to support themselves and their communities through the businesses he helped create.

“We are incredibly proud of his achievements and know his legacy will continue for generations through his charity, the Africa Trust.  

“We’ll miss his booming laugh, smile and larger than life personality. He was needed in heaven but will forever be our loveable rogue.”

Mr Searle’s funeral is scheduled for 11am on Thursday, 21 July, at St Andrews, Oakington. For those that would like to make a contribution the family have requested that all donations are made to The Africa Trust (Charity number: 1147666).

Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the collision, saw the vehicle in the moments leading up to it, or anyone who has relevant dashcam footage to get in touch.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact us via our webchat service quoting incident 347 of 6 July.

 

Photo: Paul Searle

Photo: A water pump in Africa set up by, and now dedicated to, Paul Searle.