THE heartbroken family of a man killed in a crash on his way to watch his son play football today paid tribute to the ‘love of their lives’.

Father-of-four Rob Evans, 48, died in a motorcycle accident just yards from the Wessex Stadium in Weymouth where his son Josh was playing for Chickerell United in the Dorset Premier League Cup final.

The family said: “Rob will never be forgotten and he will be forever young.”

Mr Evans was described as a ‘fun loving person who lived life to the full.’ Police said his red Kawasaki motorcycle left the road on Granby Way and crashed into a tree about 7.45pm on Tuesday.

Mr Evans, who lived in Westham, worked as a heavy goods vehicle driver, his family said.

Paying tribute to their son, Mr Evans’s parents, Babs and Terry from Dorchester, said: “Rob was a wonderful son and he was the love of our lives.”

In a statement, the children of Mr Evans, Chad, Josh, Jed and India, added: “He was more than a father – he was our best mate and a fun-loving person who lived life to the full.

“He will be sadly missed by his loved ones and his family – including his grand-daughter, three-and-a-half-year-old Lily. Sadly, Rob has not lived to see the impending birth of his second grandchild.”

The family added: “We would like to express our special thanks to all the friends and well-wishers who have shown their support through our sad times.”

Mr Evans’s partner Caroline said: “Rob was my special friend and light of my life – the man that never really grew up.

“He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered as a great partner, soulmate and special family member.”

Mr Evans’s son Josh took to the pitch at the Wessex Stadium in the game against Portland United on Tuesday night unaware that his dad had been involved in an accident outside.

He was later substituted at half-time as news of the tragedy reached team officials inside the stadium.

The players and crowd were described as being ‘dumbfounded’ as news of Mr Evans’s death filtered through to the ground.

Discussions were held about whether the game should be abandoned but it went ahead after a plea by Josh for it to continue.

Yesterday flowers were laid at the scene of the accident on Granby Way next to a broken fence and felled tree.

One heartfelt message written to Mr Evans said: ‘You will be sadly missed’.

Granby Way was closed for several hours between the Wessex and Chafeys roundabouts on Tuesday night while officers investigated the scene of the accident.

The family of Mr Evans is being supported and assisted by a family liaison officer from Dorset Police.

Mr Evans, who loved to travel, was featured in the Echo seven years ago after he was mugged and shot in Mexico while on a family holiday.

He was shot in the ankle after two muggers jumped out with a gun in Mexico City and tried to take his rucksack.

After surviving the bullet Mr Evans then had his rucksack stolen. His daughter India said at the time she had a premonition of the incident after dreaming that her father would be involved in a shooting.

Following the shooting Mr Evans, a carpenter at the time, came home and checked into Dorset County Hospital.

Officers from the Dorchester Traffic Department of Dorset Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision on Tuesday – or Mr Evans riding his red Kawasaki motorcycle prior to the collision – to contact them in confidence.

A 27-year-old man from Weymouth has been arrested in relation to the incident and is helping police with inquiries. He has since been released on bail.

Anyone with any information can contact police on 01305 222222.