Tributes paid to much-loved Haywards Heath man who died in A22 collision

Jason Berry had ‘everything to live for’ and had just returned to the UK after living in the US for 20 years, an inquest at Eastbourne Town Hall heard.

His sister Sharon Berry said in a statement, “We’re heartbroken at the loss of Jason. His death has left us absolutely devastated.

“He seemed genuinely excited and optimistic about his future in England. He had everything to live for.

“Sadly the events have meant everyone who loved him so much will have to live with his loss for the rest of their lives.”

The sales manager from Haywards Heath loved cycling and motocross, and previously worked as an ad rep for Racer X.

Following his death, the publication described him as ‘one of the heartiest, funnest, and friendliest people we have ever met’.

Mr Berry had a passion for cycling and had just landed his ‘dream job’ at a bicycle shop in Forest Row.

On the last time she saw him, his sister said, “It was lovely seeing him so happy and settled.

“I thought how proud I was of my brother. How cool he was. How happy he seemed.

“Such a positive memory of the last time I saw my brother I never wanted to forget it.”

The inquest on Thursday (October 1) heard he was driving after a work Christmas do when his vehicle came off the road and hit a tree.

Mr Berry had given up alcohol due to his Type 1 diabetes, the inquest heard. However, he did enjoy a drink on social occasions.

After leaving the party in the early hours of December 21, 2019, Mr Berry started to drive in the opposite direction from his home, something that has left his family confused.

“We have no idea why he would have been driving that way, it doesn’t make sense,” Ms Berry said.

The inquest heard he reached a 90-degree right-hand turn, and came off the road onto a grass verge.

No emergency braking was applied, according to a collision investigation expert, and there was no change of steering before he hit the tree.

There was no evidence of any other vehicles involved, and police also said there were no marks to show a seatbelt had been worn.

He had been almost double the legal alcohol limit, according to a toxicology report.

Coroner Alan Craze concluded Mr Berry’s death was due to a road traffic collision, calling the incident a ‘complete tragedy’.