Family's tribute to '˜selfless' stalwart of Crawley music scene

Tributes poured in after dad-of-three Carl Brooks was found dead aged 56 in his flat in Langley Green on Sunday (April 25).

His family said in a statement: “Carl was completely selfless and had a passion for helping others and we are immensely proud of the work he did for charity.

“As a family we are touched by the number of messages and comments that have been received and posted.”

They said Carl ‘would do anything’ for his family. His brother Clive Brooks spoke of how much Carl was loved and would be missed.

Carl played a big part in setting up the Oxjam Crawley annual charity gig.

Crawley musician Natalie Young-Wotton said: “He will be sadly missed and heaven has gained a true angel.

“Carl was always full of life whenever I saw him - joking, smiling and talked passionately about the Crawley music scene.”

Former Mercury FM radio presenter Cllr Chris Oxlade said: “He was one of the most passionate, caring guys that I’ve known.

“He was one of those guys who was involved in the community every day.

“It was an absolute honour to call him a friend.”

He added: “He had many, many friends in Crawley.

“He was always on the forefront of trying to promote new talent and new music in general in the town.

“He constantly ran music events raising money - he was a stalwart of the town.

“He’s going to be sadly, sadly missed.”

Carl was raised in West Green and was a Sussex Police traffic warden at Gatwick and former bus driver.

He had three daughters and grandchildren, and was a longstanding member of the Labour Party.

Friend Cllr John Stanley said: “He had a pacemaker but he was always full of life.

“His problems would not have mattered - if you were down he would try to cheer you up with a wise crack to keep you on the straight and narrow.”

A charity gig in aid of the British Heart Foundation is being organised in his memory.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “We can sadly confirm the death of Gatwick traffic warden Carl Brooks who was found dead at his home in Crawley on Sunday (April 24).

“Carl joined Sussex Police in 2002 and had been a traffic warden at Gatwick Airport for the whole of his service. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends at the airport. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Carl died unexpectedly alone in his flat, said his nephew Matt Brooks. The coroner’s office has been informed.

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