Tribute to Brighton father 'who always put a smile on people’s faces'

The family of a man who died after an incident near Brighton Marina has paid tribute to him.
David RouthanDavid Routhan
David Routhan

Sussex Police said shortly after 6.30am on Sunday, May 12, police were called to a report that a silver Vauxhall van had gone over the cliff east of the marina, close to Roedean School.

Emergency services attended, but the driver died at the scene, police.

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He has been identified by officers as David Routhan, 42, of Nuthurst Place, Brighton.

His son Rhys said: “My dad was a self-employed stonemason who enjoyed riding his motorbikes (motocross), going to the gym, working, walking his beloved dogs, being with his close friends and supporting Liverpool Football Club.

“To name a few of his vast array of achievements were setting up his own successful business, becoming a father, fitness related goals, and recently passing his motorbike test after many years of riding just motocross.

“My Dad will be remembered as the man who always put a smile on people’s faces and lit up the room. He was a hardworking, caring, and loyal family man. A man who always put others before himself, and who wanted what was best for his family and close friends.

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“He would never let anyone down and would do everything he could to make someone close to him feel happy, feel loved, and feel appreciated. From making family members and friends smile, to even his own customers through work smile, he would always try his best to make a positive impact on someone’s life.

“No one had a bad word to say about him. Happy go lucky, cheeky, funny, loyal, smart, and the best father to myself, that’s how my Dad (David) will be remembered.”

David leaves behind Rhys (son), Lorraine (mother), Darren, Nigel, Suzannah and Simon (brothers/sister/brother-in-law), Jon and Sarah (nephew/niece), and David ‘Boyce’ Negus (best friend).