Family pay tribute to man who died in paragliding crash

Window cleaner Shawn Crossfield, known as Eddie, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene in Tong earlier this week.

The 54-year-old was a popular name on the Shirley Estate in Gomersal with him willing to help anyone in need down the years.

The incident, which led to an air ambulance being called out, occurred on Tong Lane at around 7pm on Tuesday evening.

Shawn was his dad's best friend

Dad Dereck Crossfield labelled Shawn his "best friend" while Sandra Colbeck says her brother was a thrill-seeker who would always try to push the boundaries.

"It has been a massive shock," she said.

"You could not keep Shawn down, as much as my dad told him not to do it, he was his own person.

"He was a thrill-seeker who loved his motorbikes and flying.

"When he flew he was alive. He used to say 'you have not lived if you have not been near death'.

"He has had a few close shaves, a really bad motorbike accident in the past. He was a free spirit.

"He was alive when he was up there, it was just him. It is a very unfortunate thing that has happened."

The 54-year-old loved to push the boundaries

Sandra says Shawn was a loving father to his children and had a great sense of family and community.

"We have an older sister called Yvonne. As kids, we were so close," she added.

"Back in the seventies and eighties, all the kids were out playing on the streets. We all grew up on the Shirley Estate.

"As a brother, if I needed anything, he would instantly be there.

"We have had so many messages from people who know the family and Shawn because he did their windows. I just did not realise how many people knew him."

Shawn loved to help people (Image: Newsquest)

Dereck, who lived with Shawn, feels he has lost his best friend.

He said: "He was the best son any man could ever hope for.

"He would help anybody with anything and put his hands to anything.

"People loved him, even children used to come to the door regularly asking Shawn if he would fix their bikes and he would.

"He was the son that only anyone could dream of, he was my best friend."

Sandra added: "My dad is absolutely broken. They were always together. It has knocked him for six.

"It has just absolutely thrown him into shock because he has just lost his best friend.

"They had the same friends and did everything together.

"I just wish it was all a dream."

The crash happened on Tong Lane

On Thursday, the Telegraph & Argus opened an online Book of Condolence in Mr Crossfield's name.

Readers also left their tributes via our Facebook page.

Alec Davison said: "My mate for over 35 years. He will be sadly missed."

Mandy Windle added: "I have seen him out a few times over Holme Wood. This is so sad. My thoughts are with his family."

Janet Greenhough said: "Oh my goodness, so sad. I hope his family and friends are coping after this tragic accident."

"Tragic ending. My dad is gutted," said Zoe Davison.

Reb O'Dwyer said: "I always remember him growing up as a kid and being our window cleaner. He was always lovely and I know he will be sadly missed by many."

Sarah-Louise Rhodes-Locker added: "RIP. I had seen him in the sky above Cleckheaton in recent weeks."

"Just a lovely man he will be missed by all in Gomersal," said Heather Bond.

Aiden Irvine said: "He was a proper gentleman." 

A reader, who wishes to be anonymous, added: "Condolences to Shawn's family. A lovely friendly man who will be missed by many in our community who are shocked by this awful news."

Tong Ward Councillor Matt Edwards said: "This is a very sad incident and my thoughts go out to the man's family and friends."

On Wednesday, West Yorkshire Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file has been prepared for the Coroner.

The Telegraph & Argus has approached British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, who are leading the investigation, for a comment.