THE wife of a lorry driver who tragically died after a major accident has paid a tribute to her hero husband.

Ken Sugden, just two weeks away from his 64th birthday, died following an incident at Five Lane Ends roundabout, Idle, during rush hour on September 9.

The JODA Freight employee of around 15 years was driving his HGV when he suffered a heart attack at the wheel.

The vehicle then careered over the roundabout.

Mr Sugden's wife, Brenda Sugden, 71, said her husband had always enjoyed being in a wagon, but revealed the devastating moment she found out the tragic news.

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She said: "We're just devastated. I was speaking to him at one o'clock, asking him to bring me something when he finished work.

"That was the last time I spoke to him.

"JODA rang at twoish to say he was involved in an accident or something and that it might be a heart attack and said police were coming to see you.

Just everybody who came into contact with him really liked him. You could not help but like him. He made you laugh and had a very dry sense of humour" - Brenda Sugden

"It was kind of JODA to ring me, so we were prepared for the police coming.

"They rushed me and my son to Bradford Royal Infirmary - unfortunately it just wasn't to be."

Witness David Greasley was driving behind Mr Sugden's JODA truck and believes he heroically drove onto the roundabout intentionally, to avoid causing injury to anyone.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ken Sugden with his wife BrendaKen Sugden with his wife Brenda

Mrs Sugden said: "Even the policeman said he doesn't know how he avoided hitting anybody.

"He was that kind of person."

The couple shared many memories across 40 years of being together.

Mrs Sugden said: "He was just always making me laugh, sometimes cry, but most of the time laugh.

"Wherever he went, everybody knew him."

In the past, Mr Sugden played for Haworth Methodists Cricket Club and had many friends there, Mrs Sugden revealed.

She added: "He was very caring and he would help anybody. He was very popular at work. He liked a laugh and a joke."

Tragically, the lorry driver was due to retire from JODA Freight in two more years and Mrs Sugden remembers her husband mentioning the upcoming milestone a few days ago.

She said: "He will be sorely missed. His boss rang on Tuesday morning - Ken had been laughing and joking on the Monday morning.

"Just everybody who came into contact with him really liked him.

"You could not help but like him.

"He made you laugh and had a very dry sense of humour."

The family revealed they had received lots of support since the incident, including on social media.

Son, Gareth Sugden, issued a thanks to all those who had shared kind words about his father.

Mr Sugden's employer, JODA Freight, also released a tribute on its Facebook page.

The post said: "It is with great sadness that the company announce the death of a long-standing employee Ken Sugden."

It continued: "With 16 years of service with the company, Ken was a highly respected employee of JODA Freight, his dedication and commitment to the company has been truly valued by all.

"For those who knew Ken will know what a wonderful man he was, and he will be sorely missed by many.

"John, Dave and the team at JODA Freight send its deepest sympathy to his family, friends and loved ones at this terrible time."

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or what happened prior to it.

Anyone with information should contact the Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support team via 101 or use the reporting options online.

You should quote: Log 945 of September 9.