A leading light in the world of astronomy has been named as the victim of a fatal car crash in Oxfordshire with tributes pouring in from fellow enthusiasts who knew him well.
Owen Brazell is understood to have been driving to a star party in North Norfolk on Monday morning (March 16) when he fatally collided with a lorry in his Subaru.
The 68-year-old was a keen amateur astronomer, chairman of the Abingdon Astronomical Society and president of the Webb Society since 2019.
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The well-known Faringdon resident had also given talks at various other astronomical societies and was a regular contributor to the Astronomy Now magazine.
It is understood he was driving to Kelling Heath Star Party that morning, which is a gathering of amateur astronomers to observe the night sky, share equipment and socialise.
Tributes have been pouring in for the astronomer, who was fatally struck on the A420 near Kingston Bagpuize between Oxford and Swindon.
Steve Creasy, of the Abingdon Astronomical Society, said: "He knew so much about deep sky observing and was a regular at the Spring and Autumn Star Camps in Kielder and Kelling.
"He had been involved with Abingdon Astronomical Society since the 1990s and was a driving force as our chairman.
"Condolences to his family and to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by us all."
He added: "His loss will be felt greatly by the UK astronomy community and especially so by those of us who considered him a friend. Take your place in the stars Owen and rest in peace."
Amateur astronomer Theodore Thomas Tsikas said: "Owen will be missed by the many friends he made at the Abingdon Astronomical Society, where he inspired many people with his enthusiasm, deep knowledge, sense of duty and humour.
"I wish I could have thanked him while he was still with us. My condolences to his loved ones."
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A tribute from Cristina Garcia Pozuelo Sanchez added: "Owen we miss you already. I love the fact that you got into taking pictures of the night sky and we could chat about our smart telescopes.
"Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us and thank you for being a friend and an astronomy mentor."
The Society for Popular Astronomy said amateur astronomy "has lost another star" with the death Mr Brazell, describing him as a "noted deep-sky observer".
"Owen was president of the Webb Society, which is devoted to deep-sky work, and was a leading light in the BAA Deep Sky Section," a spokesman said.
"Owen was widely known throughout UK amateur astronomy, and was just recently at the Practical Astronomy Show where he met many friends."
Callum Potter, director of Deep Sky Section, added: "Owen was the UK’s leading deep-sky visual observer, and will be sorely missed.”
A further tribute from Ady Jurd added: "Owen, we had many laughs at star parties, and many will miss and your humour. My thoughts are with your family and friends.
"You are now among the stars you so loved to see. It was great to have known you."
Trevor Pitt said: "I walked down to your rental caravan at Kelling Heath star party to see which telescope you had decided to bring, but it was all dark.
"I was shocked to hear of your passing from a neighbour. I see tributes have been paid from fellow astronomers all over the world such was your tremendous influence on Astronomy.
"Thank you for your mentoring and friendship over the last 20 years, Cheryll and I will miss you."
Gavin Williams, of Kelmscott Manor, said: "Owen was a volunteer at Kelmscott Manor since 2022.
"He was always very friendly and helpful, asking after our resident cat (Horatio) every time he came to the manor. His bubbly personality will be missed.
"Condolences to all the family and friends from all the staff and volunteers at Kelmscott Manor."
Donna Seymour added: "I am so very sorry to hear this news of Owen.
"He was such a jovial, kind, inquisitive and caring person, and so knowledgeable about astronomy."
Fellow astronomy expert Gwyneth Hueter said: "Owen, my eyes water as I write this. I was with you on Saturday at the Abingdon Astronomical Society stand at the ATOM exhibition in Abingdon.
"Using your solar telescope to show the Sun to the visitors. So passionate for astronomy.
"You knew so much and I'm looking forward to his trip to the star party next week. Never forgotten."
