Tribute to Luke Payne

The family of a 17-year-old boy who died in a collision in Great Gaddesden have paid tribute to him.

Luke Payne, from Amersham, died in a collision after coming off his motorbike in Gaddesden Row on the afternoon of Friday 16 January.

He leaves behind his mother Sandie, father Darren and twin sister Lillie.

They have today (Friday 13 February), shared the following tribute:

“At a young age Luke was good natured and always thought of others before himself. He was always obliging; going to fetch things for people, fixing things and generally helping out. Luke was polite and a gentleman, always making sure friends and girlfriends got home OK. He was warm-hearted and affectionate. Luke was a thoughtful and indulgent boy - he was too easy with his money; it burnt a hole in his pocket. If he wasn’t buying a project, he was buying spare parts for it, or he was buying gifts, flowers and sweets for loved ones (and the odd dinner or round of drinks behind their backs!)

“Luke’s mind was always on the next project, normally before he had finished the previous one. It was and he was, contagious. It brought us continuous joy to see him learn about all the different components needed to make this and that work. He was always taking something apart then making it better, faster, higher or waterproof. His desire for knowledge of electrical, mechanical, digital and battery-operated devices was immense – we couldn’t keep up!

“The measure of Luke's character has been demonstrated by the amount of support and comfort that has been provided to us over the past weeks. Luke touched so many lives and hearts over the short time he was with us.

“Our world will never be the same without Luke Mathew Payne, and in our hearts, we know the world in general will be worse off for not having that remarkable person in it, who would have given so many wonderful things to it and to the people in it.”

Luke’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 24 February at Chilterns Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life at The Black Horse in Rickmansworth. Anyone wishing to pay their respects should RSVP here (opens in a new window).

Luke’s family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

Photo captions:

Photo 1: Luke enjoying a meal out, aged 16 in March 2024

Photo 2: Luke, aged 9 in September 2017 – always with a project on the go!