Tributes for young Grimsby flight attendant killed in crash near Heathrow

Tributes have poured in after a flight attendant from Grimsby was named as one of three British Airways cabin crew members who died in a crash near Heathrow Airport on New Year’s Eve.

Surrey Police officers are continuing their investigation into the crash involving an HGV and a white Toyota Yaris, which took place at 11.39pm at the junction of Bedfont Road and Long Lane in Stanwell on December 31.

Dominic Fell, 23, from Grimsby, Rachel Clark, 20, and Joseph Finnis, 25, died in the collision. Police previously said the fourth person travelling in the Toyota Yaris, which is understood to have belonged to Dominic, was in hospital in a serious condition.

The driver of the HGV was injured and no arrests have been made, police said. An investigation is being conducted by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Tributes have flooded in to Dominic, who worked for British Airways for two years.

‘A true original’

His family issued the following tribute through Surrey Police: “Our Dom – he grew up in Grimsby, went to Tollbar school, studied photojournalism at LCC and travelled the world working for BA, which he loved.

“But Dom was so much more than that. He was a true original; boring wasn’t a concept he’d ever grasped. Our lives have been packed with laughter and so much fun because of him and we will miss him dearly.

“Dom, without doubt, was the most loving, generous, and kind young man you could ever wish to meet. He’d do anything for anybody especially his family and friends. We are all shocked and devasted to have lost him from our lives.

“In the words of his mother, ‘Dom left an indelible mark on everyone’s life, he was a true gem and gentleman’.

“We will all love Dom endlessly and he will live forever in our hearts.

“We’d like to thank everyone for their condolences. It’s heart-warming to know he was loved by so many. We’d also like to thank all of those who have made donations to the BA Angels page, the generosity has been overwhelming. When we know more about Dom’s funeral, we’ll let everyone know.”

Tributes have flooded in to Dominic, who worked for British Airways for two years. Photo: Surrey Police

Close friend Tyler Leshone posted on Facebook that he was “absolutely lost for words” and described Dominic as “like a second brother”.

He said: “Should not be writing this post at all. But I am absolutely lost for words and shocked that you’ve gone. We both met when we were eight Dom and you’ve been like a second brother to me ever since that day.

“A man with an absolute heart of gold. I will always remember you and miss you mate and I hope I see you again one day. Rest easy up there mate you’ve earnt it. Love you brother.” The post was shared by Dominic’s mum Christina McGilligan-Fell, who is a former mayor of North East Lincolnshire.

Several people left further tributes for Dominic.

Jim Hudson said: “He was a real treasure of a man. Our hearts go out to you. We will be praying for all of you. When you feel up to it let us know and we will pick you up and bring you over for a cuppa or something stronger.”

Lynn Sayles said: “Sending you and your family all our love and sincere condolences dear Christina. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Please don’t hesitate if there is anything at all we can do. Thinking of you and God bless you. All our love Lynn, Dave and family.”

Dominic studied for his A-Levels and completed a course in photojournalism at Grimsby Institute. He compiled a book about Grimsby as part of his BA degree in the subject at the University of Arts in London in 2017.

Fundraising and witness appeal

Over £78,000 has been raised on a GoFundMe page set up by fellow cabin crew member Stephen Paul Cook.

On the page Stephen said: “I have set up this fund to raise money for the families of the four crew members involved. I don’t know if I knew these individuals personally but at Mixed Fleet we are all one large family and when times are tough we pull together and look out for one another like no other family can.

“My aim for the funds is to split the final total equally in four giving each family affected an equal amount and to ensure that we as a fleet can send a nice flower arrangement to the three crew members’ funerals. Also the crew member who is in hospital will need all the support and help they can get after they get out of hospital and as such I would like to be able to give them a nice sum of money, to help them in those first few months.”

Specially trained officers are supporting the family and police are appealing for witnesses to the collision.

Anyone with information, or with any video, CCTV or dashcam footage, should contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number PR/P19303422.