Colleagues of two men killed in a four vehicle collision on the A10 near Littleport paid tribute to “extremely well-liked, friendly and popular” members of the team.
Tim Wildbore, 24, of Victoria Street, Littleport, and Andrew Thornewell, 28, of Hollendale Walk, Ely, died on February 18 when the black Austin Mini they were travelling in collided with a green Volkswagen Passat at Brandon Creek.
The pair was part of the design team at RJ Herbert Engineering, based in Marshland St James, near Wisbech.
A spokesman for the company said: “Everyone at Herbert is devastated as they were extremely well liked, friendly and popular members of the engineering design team.
“Both Tim and Andrew specialized in the airport sector of the business. “During their time at Herbert they both produced excellent quality designs, showing great attention to detail, innovation and creativity.
“Tim and Andrew had worked for the business for two years as project design engineers and their individual characters had shone through in this time. Both men had loving families and fulfilling interests outside work.”
Outside of his work, Tim, had a passion for sailing and rowing and was a coach at the Isle of Ely Rowing Club. Also in his spare time, he used his engineering skills to restore classic cars.
Following an education at Herschel Grammar School, in Slough, Tim achieved a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nottingham- and he was also a college rower.
Tim was originally from Berkshire and leaves behind his family and girlfriend.
Andrew, originally from Kent, moved to the area to be closer to his fiancée.
A keen Gillingham FC fan he also had many interests including karting. Prior to joining Herbert, Andrew worked for Viridor waste management for more than four years as a technician.
He was educated at Oakwood Park Grammar School, Kent, and then moved to Invicta Grammar School.
He achieved a first class honours degree in sport equipment design engineering at Sheffield Hallam University where he was also a student representative and honoured with the Hallam bronze award in recognition for his duties.
He was also honoured with the Harrod UK prize for excellence in sports engineering on completion of his degree. Andrew was due to be married to his fiancée at the end of May.
Rod Herbert, chairman of RJ Herbert, said: “We are a family business that works closely together; their loss is a huge shock to everyone.
“I was fortunate to work with them both on many occasions on design solutions for the airport sector. They proved themselves to be very talented engineers. It is a tragedy and we all pray for their dear families at this time.”
Nick Herbert, managing director, said: “I had the pleasure of employing Tim and Andrew; they were absolute gentleman, with great senses of humour and were hugely popular employees. We are immensely proud of them and shall miss Andrew and Tim; they formed a strong part of our engineering team.”
Witnesses to the collision should contact Sgt Steve Watson at Cambridgeshire police on 101.
The driver of the Passat, a 27-year-old man from King’s Lynn, suffered slight injuries.
A lorry and another car were also involved but were not badly damaged. No-one else was injured.
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