A RECOVERY worker was killed while helping a friend who had broken down on a major road.
Ryan Balls, 37, has been remembered by his family as not only a “beloved father, brother, and son, but also a cherished friend to so many”.
GofundmeRyan Balls, 37, was a father to four children, including two stepchildren[/caption]
GofundmeHe had been called to assist a friend who had broken down on the road[/caption]
GofundmeRyan’s family have released a tribute and message to motorists on roads[/caption]
The father-of-four was killed after being hit by a car on the A11 dual carriageway, near Norwich while he was helping a friend who had been stranded on Sunday afternoon.
Ryan received a call from a friend earlier in the day as he was visiting the Snetterton Recycling Centre, and came to where they had broken down on the A11 between Besthorpe and Spooner Row.
A black Ford Puma ST then struck the recovery worker while he was standing outside his vehicle.
Emergency treatment was provided with an air ambulance flown in, but Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The teenage driver of the Ford was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
He was later released on bail as investigations continue.
Norfolk Constabulary shared that the A11 was closed following the crash on social media.
Partner Sophie Bailey discovered Ryan was involved in the incident after seeing a Facebook post from police warning motorists to avoid the area due to a crash.
She then tracked Ryan’s phone to the location of the crash, which had not moved for a while, and commented on the post that her partner was not answer his phone.
Sophie also asked people what vehicle was involved in the crash, with one member of the public responding it was a recovery truck.
Norfolk Police shared an update on the incident through a press release, which described Ryan as “a man standing outside a vehicle”.
Ms Bailey responded to this and said: “‘Ryan was my partner, and I feel I need to say something because [the report] doesn’t reflect who he was or what he was doing that day.
‘He wasn’t just “a man standing outside a vehicle”.
“Ryan was working, doing the job he was passionate about recovering a broken-down car and helping someone who was stranded on the A11.
GofundmeThe driver of the vehicle which hit Ryan was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving[/caption]
“He went out that day, as he always did, to help people in need and to make the road safer for everyone.
“On Sunday, he never came home. Our children have lost their dad, and I have lost my soulmate.
“His mum has lost her oldest son and his brother has lost his only sibling.
“Nothing will ever take away our pain, but I want people to know the truth: Ryan lost his life while doing his job, helping someone in need, not because he was carelessly on the road.”
Ryan, who is from Diss, Norfolk, ran an independent breakdown service called RB Auto Repairs from his home.
He had two young sons, and is also a stepfather of two other children.
Sophie continued: “Ryan was a dedicated recovery driver and mechanic, but more importantly, he was a Loving son, brother, partner and the most devoted dad to our children.
“He worked so hard to provide for us, and he always put others first whether it was family, friends, or strangers in need on the roadside.
“Please, if you read this, remember the people like Ryan who put themselves in dangerous situations to keep others safe.
“Slow down, pay attention, and always think about the families behind the hi vis jackets.
“Ryan deserves to be remembered for the good man he was, and for the life he gave in service to others.”
Ryan’s great uncle, Ian Howes, added: “Ryan was a grafter and a brilliant benchmark for a dad.
“He had lots of friends and was constantly carrying out favours for them.
“Sophie was always worried about Ryan doing recovery jobs.
“She knew he had gone to do the A11 job which he wasn’t even getting paid to do. Then she lost contact.
“I had friends from Marbella phone me who were in total and utter shock after seeing the details of Ryan’s death on the Facebook post.”
The family have been going through a significant amount of heartache recently, as Ryan’s aunt — Jane Blackwell – was also killed in a crash on the A11 at the Newmarket Road stretch two years ago.
Jane, 64, was knocked off her bicycle by a car in August 2023, and the driver is awaiting trial after being charged with causing death by careless driving.
Mother, Judith, 63, has also therefore had to go through losing her sister, as well as husband John in 2023, her mother, and now her son.
Ian said: “We all pulled together when we lost Jane and we have remained close over the past two years.”
A friend of the family, Sherri Beckett, set up a GoFundMe page in tribute to Ryan which wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that Ryan has tragically passed away…
“His sudden loss has left an unfillable void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him.
“Ryan’s family has endured so much heartache recently, facing multiple losses in such a short time.
“Now, as they grieve this unimaginable tragedy, they are also facing the overwhelming costs of arranging Ryan’s funeral and providing support for his children and loved ones.”
More than £5,000 has already been raised for the fundraiser.
It hopes to cover funeral and memorial costs, as well as support Ryan’s children and family.
Investigations into the incident on Sunday are still underway with police appealing for witnesses or dashcam footage to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information should contact Norfolk Constabulary quoting reference 36/64383/25.
The driver of the vehicle that hit Ryan has been released on bail until December 5.
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