Heartbroken family pay tribute to Plymouth soldier after tragic crash

Tributes have poured in for a soldier from Plymouth who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Sunday, August 31.

At around 5.05pm, police were called to Torwood Street in Torquay to a three vehicle crash involving a black Audi Q5, a grey Ford Ranger and a blue Suzuki SV 650 motorcycle.

The rider of the motorcycle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Tributes on social media have named him as Benjamin Rafton, affectionately known as Ben.

A tribute posted on behalf of Ben's mother, Somaya, said: "Somaya has lost her beautiful precious son Benjamin Rafton to a horrific motorcycle incident. Jake, Harry and Tom have also lost their little brother. Their wives have lost their brother in law and their children, an uncle.

"Ben was a much loved son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson and cousin. He was a lad with a cheeky smile, who loved to make people laugh."

Ben's uncle, Sean, said: "With a heavy heart, so sad lost my nephew Ben Rafton, age 24, taken too soon in a traffic accident up Torquay. So gutted, RIP legend."

Speaking to PlymouthLive, Sean added: "He was a fun and larger than life character. His dad, Barrie Rafton, and stepmom, Julie Rafton, are absolutely heartbroken."

According to the OnlyForces Facebook account, Ben was a soldier in the Royal Artillery regiment.

More than 400 comments have been posted in response to its tribute. One person said: "Stand down young man, your duty is done thank you for your service RIP."

Another person said: "So sad and so young. Condolences to his family and friends. Fly high young man."

A third person added: "Deepest sympathy to all concerned. Lovely lad, so sad."

The Lads Advice account posted a tribute and said: "Lads. We are heartbroken to share that our brother Ben Rafton, 24, was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident in Torquay yesterday [Sunday].

"Ben was an absolute character and lit up any room he was in with his cheeky humour and caring personality.

"We remember him completing an epic tab for charity whilst serving, and buying up a load of burgers with his own money to give out to those less fortunate. No fanfare, no Facebook post, just humanity and his desire to do right by people.

"RIP Ben. The world is truly worse off without you in it."

Ben had played for Plymouth Basketball Club (PBC) before joining the Army. The club said: "All at PBC are saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ben Rafton after a tragic accident.

"Ben represented the club before moving on to join the army and played a number of games for our regional squads.

"The Rafton family have been a part of the Plymouth basketball community for many years and our thoughts are with them all at this sad time."

Devon and Cornwall Police said that a man in his 20s, from Hampshire, was fatally injured in the crash on Sunday afternoon.

The driver of the Audi, a man in his 20s from Plymouth, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been released under investigation.

Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Army have been contacted for comment.