Tributes paid to victims of Shoreham air show tragedy
Police have said it is “highly likely” the death will rise following yesterday’s air show tragedy in Shoreham.
A Hawker Hunter jet was taking part in the town’s air show at Shoreham airport when it failed to come out of a dive and ended up in a bush at 1.20pm on Saturday (22 August).
Today, three of the people believed to have died were identified.
Worthing FC players Jacob Schilt and Matthew Grimstone, both 23 were on their way to the ground for a fixture against Loxwood FC.
The club said ” At this point we don’t know how or if we will cope with this, Worthing United is a family, part of the football family, we have been moved by the number of tribute to them that we have received from our fellow clubs and from the public.”
Matthew Grimstone was also a member of ground staff at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Chairman Tony Bloom commented, “The thoughts and prayers of everybody at the club are with Matt and Jacob’s family and friends at this shocking time. Our thoughts are also with all the people who have lost loved ones in this horrendous accident.”
Albion manager Chris Hughton said, “We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this news. Matt has been part of a great team we have at the club, and our thoughts go out to his and Jacob’s families at this devastating time.”
Meanwhile Matt Jones, a personal trainer from Littlehampton is also believed to have been killed.
His sister Becky Jones put on Facebook, “We are devastated to say Matt Jones was one of the fatalities.”
The pilot of the plane remains in hospital in a critical condition.
Investigation continues on A27
The death tole is “highly likely” to increase according to Sussex Police.
The A27 will be closed until Wednesday as air traffic investigations continue, motorists are being told to avoid the area if possible.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry said: “An investigation, jointly run by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), has commenced with the recovery from the scene of those who have died.
“This has been an enormously traumatic incident and our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the incident, from those who have suffered bereavement to those in the local community who are deeply shocked. I would like to pay tribute to colleagues in all of the emergency services, partner agencies and the organisers whose compassion and professionalism in the most extreme of circumstances has been widely commented upon.
No formal identifications have been made.
A family event descending into disaster
Onlookers could only watch on in shock as the major incident at the Shoreham air show unravelled.
Latest TV spoke to people at the air show immediately after the events with their reaction.
