‘He left home for what should have been a 20-minute ride and never returned’ are the harrowing words from a devastated Nuneaton family.
Craig Shwajczuk lost his life after a collision with a vehicle near Kingswood Road in April, and his grief-stricken relatives say they continue to grapple with the loss of the dedicated family man, who was a doting father to five youngsters and his partner.
They have spoken out following his passing to issue a heartfelt plea for anyone present in the vicinity to step forward and provide some answers.
His relatives said: “As a family, we desperately need answers. Craig left home for what should have been a short ride before spending time with his family and friends. Instead, he never came home.
“We are asking anyone who knows anything, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak to the police.”, reports Coventry Live.
“Every piece of information could help the investigation and bring us closer to understanding what happened that day.
“More than anything, we need the facts. Craig’s children, partner, family and friends deserve to know what happened and why. We hope that by finding witnesses we can help the police investigation and bring some closure to those who loved him.”
Describing Craig, they emphasised that ‘family meant everything to him’ while he would readily extend assistance to anyone requiring support.
View 2 ImagesThe sea of tributes at the junction of St Michael’s Way and Kingswood Road
A motorbike enthusiast, he was prominent within the local area. “He had countless friends and whether it was helping someone repair a car or motorbike, offering advice, or simply being there when someone needed a laugh, Craig always made time for people,” the family said.
“He was trustworthy, loyal, honest and incredibly kind-hearted.
“Craig loved motorbikes, cars, vans and camping. Riding his motorbike was something he enjoyed because it helped him clear his mind and gave him a sense of freedom. He didn’t drink alcohol or use drugs; spending time on his bike was simply his way of relaxing and unwinding.”
They added: “One of Craig’s biggest passions was making memories with his family. He was in the middle of converting a camper van so he could take Sarah and the children travelling and exploring new places together. He loved taking his children out on adventures, especially long walks through the woods in all weathers, creating special memories that they will cherish forever.
“Craig had a larger-than-life personality. He was always joking, dressing up, making people laugh and finding ways to brighten even the darkest situations. He was full of joy, laughter and positivity, and people naturally gravitated towards him because of his warmth and sense of humour.”
The passing of the ‘rock of the family’ makes the bereavement all the more devastating to bear.
“His sudden death has left an enormous hole that can never be filled,” the family said. His partner Sarah has ‘lost her best friend and the person she planned her future with’ while confronting life as a single parent to their two young children.
“The children are still trying to understand and adapt to a world without their dad, something no child should ever have to face,” the family stated, noting his passing has impacted far beyond his immediate relatives.
“He was a huge part of so many people’s lives. His friends, extended family and members of the community all feel his absence deeply,” the family continued.
“The fact that he left home for what should have been a 20-minute ride and never returned is something we are still struggling to come to terms with. We wake up every day hoping this is a nightmare, but the reality is that Craig is gone, and our lives have changed forever.
“We miss his laughter, his jokes, his kindness, his advice and the way he could make everyone feel welcome. We miss seeing him with his children, working on his projects, talking about future plans and creating memories with the people he loved most.”
The family now hopes their public plea will deliver the answers they desperately seek.
“Nothing will ever bring Craig back, but finding answers about what happened that day would mean everything to us,” the family said.
“It would help us understand the circumstances surrounding his death and provide some much-needed closure for a family that is completely heartbroken.”
Officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed Craig riding in the area prior to the incident, or who may hold dashcam, CCTV, doorbell footage, or any other relevant information that could help determine what happened, to get in touch with police.
The crash occurred as he rode a blue off-road style motorbike along Kingswood Road on Sunday, 19 April at approximately 11.50am.
Police have revealed that a second motorbike, orange in colour and bearing the number 22 in large white lettering on the front and both sides, had been travelling alongside the blue off-road bike before the collision took place.
Information can be passed on by calling 101 or by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.