Former RNLI crewman confirmed as Filey crash victim

Luke Burton, 23, died when his Suzuki bike struck a double decker bus outside the Blue Dolphin holiday park on Thursday evening.

The keen sportsman spent three years as a volunteer crewman at the RNLI station in Filey, where his father Brett also serves.

Luke stood down from his duties around two years ago due to work commitments in the offshore industry.

RNLI press officer John Ward said:

"Luke followed in his dad's footsteps to join the crew. He was a very good and popular crew member. He always had a smile on his face and was always ready with a very witty comment."

Luke played football for Filey Town FC and cricket for Filey Cricket Club.

Friends and family will gather tomorrow to celebrate Luke's life at the Filey Sports Club.

Stephen Eblet said: "Luke played football for the kids' football club I helped to run a few years ago. If we chatted, I used to remind him of how he would close his eyes when he headed the ball, on one occasion falling over like a tree when he did head it.

"He was a character. He had a jovial, friendly and bubbly personality that is gifted to so few. He got up to a few things, like all young lads do and they came down the grapevine and made me smile, reflecting on a few things I did at that age.

"I knew him as a friendly and popular lad, who was loyal to his friends and wouldn't hurt a fly. It appears his life was really coming good as he hit his twenties. Whenever our paths did cross and we had a little chat or a bit of banter, he made me leave him with a smile, a grin or plain laughter, every single time. I don't know of many people who can do that. RIP Luke Burton. You sure made many people smile."

Filey Town FC also paid tribute, posting on Facebook: "Such a tragic day as Filey loses a true gentleman who filled any room with smiles and laughter. Luke will be missed by so many but the memories will last forever. Everybody connected with Filey Town send their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at such a difficult time."

Luke's death is the third tragedy to hit the RNLI station at Filey in just eight months.

In January, mechanic and navigator Pete Macauley, who was in his 60s, passed away after an 'aggressive' illness. He had served with the crew since 1994 and also worked for Humber Coastguard. He left three children and four grandchildren.

In June, lifelong crewman Lee Cowling died suddenly at the age of 46. He had joined the station aged 18 in 1992.