THE death of a "charismatic" father-of-two who was killed as he rode his motorbike through Witham is being investigated by police.
Tony Dredger, nicknamed "Soapy", was riding his Triumph bike along Chipping Hill, towards Powers Hall End, when he collided with a blue Hyundai 120 coming in the opposite direction, at around 7pm on Sunday, September 28.
Paramedics and police officers attended the scene and an air ambulance landed to give emergency care.
Martin Ellis, who lives on Chipping Hill and was one of the first on the scene, helped hold drip bags for paramedics tending to Mr Dredger.
"We were watching TV and we heard an almighty crash and a screech of brakes, so I rushed out to help when I saw what had happened," he said.
But they were unable to save the 54-year-old and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It was terrible and an absolute tragedy. A contributing factor must be that the street lights are out on this road, it's pitch black all along to the bridge, it's so dangerous.
"I've e-mailed the council before and nothing was done about it. I e-mailed them again telling them there's now been a fatal accident and they need to hurry up."
Mr Dredger, who worked as a mobile mechanic, was well known in the Witham motor industry.
Gary Coxell, who runs Automotive Services in Witham, said his friend and colleague of four years will be greatly missed.
"You couldn't wish for a better mate, nothing was too much trouble for him," said the 43-year-old.
"Tony will be greatly missed in the motor-trade community, he was so well liked, he would always come round for a chat and would always offer to make a cup of tea.
"He was very charismatic, always cracking jokes, full of life and energy. It's tragic what happened, all of us here still can't believe he's actually gone. It doesn't make sense, no one knows what happened, he wasn't a risk-taker."
Originally from Brentwood, Tony lived in Humber Road, Witham, with his wife and was a keen motorcyclist and a regular at Ace Café in London, a reunion hotspot for bike fans.
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, or saw either the motorbike or the car before the accident to contact DC James Lee at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101.
