Tributes paid to cycle death student (From Oxford Mail)

Tributes paid to cycle death student

9:15am Friday 20th April 2007 in

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The cyclist who died in the collision with a bin lorry in Oxford was a talented engineering student who saved a firm almost £80,000 a year during his work placement.

Tributes were today being paid to Tsz Fok, 22, a third-year at Worcester College, who died in the crash with a recycling truck at the junction of Parks Road and Holywell Street, shortly before 10am on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old driver of the truck was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and the police investigation into the accident is continuing. The driver has been bailed and no-one has been charged with any offence.

A post mortem has been carried out but Oxford coroner's officer Leslie Thompson said the cause of death would not be revealed until a full inquest.

Richard Smethurst, Provost of Worcester College, said: "Everyone at Worcester College is shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Tsz Fok.

"Tsz was an extremely popular and talented student who was held in great affection. He will be very much missed. Our profound sympathy goes to his family and friends."

Yesterday it emerged that Mr Fok, originally from China, arrived in the UK aged 12, and lived with his mother in the Birmingham area while his father taught design and technology in Hong Kong.

He was a child prodigy, gaining seven A grades at A level and 10 grade A*s at GCSE.

Mr Fok was also a talented musician and his ability on the piano helped him gain a scholarship to an independent school in the Midlands.

In 2003-4, before beginning his engineering, economics and management degree at Worcester College, Mr Fok worked for Engineering Firm Turner Powertrain Systems in Wolverhampton, and developed a new test programme saving the company £78,000 a year.

Mr Fok volunteered to take part in many different aspects of college life. He was treasurer of RAG (Raise and Give), the charitable fundraising arm of the Oxford University Student Union, Secretary of Worcester College's Junior Common Room, and Captain of Coxes for the Worcester College boat club.