By Mal Butler
Ventnor Rugby Club is in mourning this week after the shock death of Tristan Price, who first played for the club in 1996, who was killed following a single vehicle crash on Saturday evening.
Police have appealed for witness to the accident which took place just after 8pm at the junction of Whitwell Road and Roud Road in Godshill.
The club has started a GoFundMe appeal for Tristan’s family with chairman, James Morton, saying: “It’s with deep sadness that I have to announce that Tristan Price (who most of you would have known as Beast) lost his life yesterday in a car accident.
“Beast first played for Ventnor RFC in 1996 and was still making appearances when called upon up to a couple of seasons ago. A hard man on the field of play, he was the kindest and most welcoming man off the pitch and beloved by young and old alike.
“His choice of song and the performance thereof on homeward bound coach trips will never be forgotten and he would routinely look after club members in his role as doorman at The Slug and Lettuce in Newport. And his presence at Ventnor’s carnival was legendary.
“He was literally unique and irreplaceable and his passing will leave a huge void in all our lives. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and to everyone who knew him. The club and the wider world of Island rugby will be initiating fund raising so please keep your eye out for that very soon.”
A club spokesman confirmed: “A GoFundMe has been set up to help ease the immediate financial pressures on Tristan’s family, including funeral and memorial costs.
“Any additional funds raised will be placed into a Junior ISA for his daughter, helping to support her future and honour Tristan’s legacy as a loving father.
“If you are able to contribute, no matter how small, it would mean the world to his family. If you’re unable to donate, please help by sharing this far and wide – every share helps reach someone who may be able to support.”
The GoFundMe site is available at iw.observer/tristan-price.
Beyond the rugby pitch, Tristan was a familiar and reassuring face to those enjoying the nightlife in Newport. Executive Command, his employers also posted a tribute on social media saying it was “with utter sadness” that Tris died in a “terrible car accident” on his way to work on Saturday. Described as “a thoroughly decent man” and “probably the best known doorman in Newport”, they said the “overwhelming tributes” show “what a legend he was”. He was remembered as loyal, reliable and loved for his humour. “You will be truly, truly missed,” the team said.
A police spokesman said: “We are appealing for information following a fatal collision in Godshill.
“Police were called just after 8pm on Saturday, January 3, to a report of a single vehicle collision at the junction of Whitwell Road and Roud Road.
“It involved a silver Citroen Picasso and the driver, a man in his 40s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. As part of our investigation, we would like to speak to any witnesses, particularly anyone with relevant dash cam footage, that may assist our enquiries.
“If you have any information for us, please call 101 quoting reference 44260003701.”
Isle of Wight Observer