Tributes paid to ‘superhero’ father killed in crash after night time shift

A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a ‘superhero daddy’ and police officer who was killed in a fatal motorbike collision after a night shift.

Acting Sergeant Reece Beckenham was killed in a crash with a vehicle on the southbound carriageway between Rush Green and Great Amwell.

The 38-year-old Hertfordshire policeman was riding his motorbike before being struck by a Volkswagen Golf just before 7am on Saturday.

The ‘fiercely protective’ and ‘loving’ father was pronounced dead at the scene.  

His family, who are being supported by officers, have released a touching tribute to the beloved son, brother, uncle and friend.

Acting Sergeant Reece Beckenham, 38, (pictured) was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision with a vehicle whilst he was riding his motorbike home after a night shift on Saturday

‘We are absolutely devastated to confirm the sudden and tragic loss of our beloved Reece,’ they said.

‘He was a loving son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague to many and, most importantly, a wonderful father to his son aged 10 and daughter aged four.

‘Reece loved having a laugh and was fun to be around, he would light up any room with his smile and infectious personality. 

‘He was fiercely protective of those he cared for and would stand up for those that needed support, be that friends, colleagues or just anyone that needed Reece.

‘Reece joined the Metropolitan Police Service as a PCSO and transferred to Hertfordshire, fulfilling his dream becoming a police officer. 

They added: ‘It was a role he loved, and he was incredibly proud to be part of Herts police.’

‘As a family we couldn’t have been prouder of him, he was an Acting Sergeant soon to be going through the promotion process to be substantive. Reece had just finished a night shift when the terrible events of Saturday morning happened.

‘Nothing can take away the pain we are feeling at his loss, but we are thankful for the support we have received.’

Describing how Reece’s son called referred to his ‘great Dad’ as his hero, the family continued: 

‘The world will be a darker place without his smile (and many silly faces he was known to pull).

‘We will never fill the void that is now in our family. Reece, our son, brother and super hero daddy, we love you.’

The family have requested privacy at this time. 

Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: ‘The thoughts of all in the constabulary are with Reece’s family and friends following their tragic loss. 

‘He was a much-respected colleague to so many and his death has been felt hugely throughout the force. 

Police are appealing for any information, witnesses or dashcam footage regarding the incident which occurred on the A10 southbound carriageway between Rush Green and Great Amwell (pictured)

‘He was a committed and experienced police officer, who served the public well and who I was proud to say was one of us. Rest in peace Reece.’

Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Collision Investigation Unit, confirmed investigations are ongoing.

‘We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it to please come forward,’ he said.

‘If you have a dash cam fitted, please review your footage as you may have captured something that could prove vital to helping us progress our enquiries.’ 

Hertfordshire Police are appealing for witnesses, dash cam footage and infromation information following the acting sergeant’s death.

Police have requested for anyone with information to contact them via the Herts Police website or by calling 101 and  quoting ISR 125 of June 29.