Tributes have been paid to a popular rugby player from Grove who died after being knocked down by a taxi.

Jonathan Aldridge

Jonathan Aldridge was walking along the A417 between Wantage and East Challow, near Challow Country Club, at about 12.45am on October 20 when he was hit by a Renault Laguna. He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but died a short time later.

The taxi driver and one of his two passengers were unhurt, but shocked by the incident. A second passenger suffered minor injuries and was also taken to hospital.

Jonathan's father Steve, of White Horse Crescent, Grove, described him as a peaceful man, quiet but fun-loving. He added: "He was just a lovely person. That's not just sentimental chatter, we would always have said that about him."

Jonathan, known as Jon to his friends and family, studied at King Alfred's Community and Sports College in Wantage before working as a technician for the pharmaceutical company Schering-Plough in Compton, near Newbury. A keen sportsman, he was a member of Grove Rugby Football Club and enjoyed composing and playing music.

He died just 10 days after his 20th birthday, leaving his brother Christopher, 18, and sister Jessica, 15.

His mother Bev said the family had been overwhelmed by support, particularly from Grove Parish Church, where Jon had many friends.

She said: "His influence, as we've been able to see, has touched so many people, especially looking at all the tributes that have been left on the side of the road."

Former chairman and member of Grove RFC John Sevier, who trained Jon as a junior coach, said: "Jon was one of the most likeable and popular lads in the club and a rugby player of consid- erable ability, playing most of his senior rugby for Grove seconds. Known to all his friends as Speedy, he will be very sadly missed."

Jon's death is the second loss for Grove RFC within one week. The club is also mourning Tom Holmes, formerly of Faringdon, who is missing, presumed dead, in the Bali bomb blast. Mr Holmes played for and was captain of Grove RFC first team from 1995 to 1996, before leaving to live in Hong Kong.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call PC Gary Froud at Abingdon Roads Policing Unit on 01235 556920.