Emotional farewell to Shoreham air crash victim Matt Jones

There were tears and laughter this afternoon as more than 250 people filled Worthing Crematorium to say goodbye to Shoreham air crash victim Matt Jones.
The funeral cortege arrives at the crematorium  Pictures: Eddie MitchellThe funeral cortege arrives at the crematorium  Pictures: Eddie Mitchell
The funeral cortege arrives at the crematorium Pictures: Eddie Mitchell

The 24-year-old aspiring personal trainer from Littlehampton was one of 11 men who lost their lives when a Hawker Hunter jet crashed into the A27 on a tragic Saturday afternoon in August.

Father John McCormack gave a touching tribute to Matt which drew attention to his larger than life personality.

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He said: “It’s just perfect this moment because he’s surrounded by all the people who love him and remember him. All of you who are here today are here because of him. There are 250 people in here today. If every single one of you makes the same impact on the world that he’s made, could you imagine what sort of world we would be living in? A crazy world, a mad world, and we would all be expected to be in the gym at 6am, but it would be a really wonderful life.

'YOLO' floral tribute typified Matt's attitude to life'YOLO' floral tribute typified Matt's attitude to life
'YOLO' floral tribute typified Matt's attitude to life

“There was a magnetism about his personality that so many of you have been attracted to. He was an academically gifted man, but he knew there was more to life than that.

“His life focussed upon all the passionate joy of living. If his legacy is anything, believe it is to live life by its richest and fullest. To go out and really live it, but be aware of those around you as well and do what you can for them as well.”

Pictures of Matt from various stages of his life were displayed on screens in the chapel while Avicii’s The Nights played in the background.

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As Wiz Khalifa’s See You Again played the service out, mourners were invited to spend a few moments with Matt’s coffin at the front of the chapel.

Matt's coffin was beach themedMatt's coffin was beach themed
Matt's coffin was beach themed

A keen traveller, Matt’s coffin was decorated with a beach landscape and a pair of yellow sunglasses were placed on top. A floral wreath reading YOLO (you only live once) was visible in the window of the hearse as the cortege arrived, which typified Matt’s lust for life.

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