A CYCLIST killed on his way to work has been described by friends and colleagues as a "truly rare person who never complained".
Timothy Jennings, 52, collided with a car on Burnham Road in the early hours of Thursday morning while travelling to his early shift at Brooks Bros in Maldon.
The labourer, who lived in a mobile home just off the busy road, near Battlesbridge, died at the scene of the collision at the roundabout junction of Burnham Road, Ferrers Road and Willow Grove shortly after 4am.
Originally from Finchingfield, Mr Jennings had moved to the site near South Woodham Ferrers, a little over a year ago to begin work at the national timber company, where he was popular among his colleagues.
"He will be very much missed by everyone, he was a lovely bloke," said Vincent Plumb, who had acted as Mr Jenning's supervisor for 16 months.
"Everything you asked of him he would do without complaint, he was a really rare sort of person in that way. He would lend a hand – he was a brilliant worker."
Landlord and neighbour Clive Johnson only realised Timothy had been involved in an accident after police began asking questions at nearby Hayes Leisure Park. "I heard his name being mentioned and then it just clicked – it's been such a shock," he said.
"He was a smashing bloke who wouldn't have hurt a fly, he didn't have an ounce of bad in him. I would have trusted him with my own grandchildren and known nothing would happen to them.
"I shall be following what happens with the investigation very closely," he added.
Timothy, who leaves behind a partner of 14 years based in White Notley, did own a car but mechanical difficulties had taken it off the road, forcing him to ride his bike down the busy stretch of road where it was hit by a green Citroen Saxo on the day of the incident.
A section of the road was closed for seven hours while forensic collision investigators tried to establish the cause of the crash, and police are appealing for further details.
Investigating officer PC Jenny Pirie said: "We're keen to hear from anyone who not only saw the actual crash, but those who may have seen this cyclist riding along this route on previous days."
The car driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on police bail until Thursday, September 12.
Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officers at Essex Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit 101 or -email collision appeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.
