Tributes have been paid to a father and son who died in a car accident in Derbyshire.
Simon Hill and his son Harry were tragically killed in the crash last weekend, Leicestershire Live reports. Both were described as 'larger than life characters' who were well-known and highly regarded on the local business scene.
News of the tragedy was described as 'shocking and painful' for their loved ones. Simon Hill was group managing director of the family-owned fleet management business Total Motion.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
The business, which he founded in his front room in 1999, was named 2018 Company of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards. His son Harry, a former Loughborough College student, was head of fleet at Total Motion.
The news was announced on the Linked In business website. In a post the family wrote: "This is a very shocking and painful moment for everyone that had the privilege of knowing them. There are no words that can describe how much they mean to us, please keep them in your hearts. We will let you know of any arrangements in the coming weeks."
Leicester business consultant Ian Guyler had worked with the pair over the years and counted them among his friends. He said: "It was always great fun – and challenging – working with Simon and Harry.
"Both were larger than life characters and Simon was always very supportive of charity and generous in supporting events such as the L Factor and The Gauntlet, which brought the city business community together. My condolences go to their family."
Hundreds more friends and colleagues reacted to the news on the Linked In website. Leicester lawyer Greg Hollingsworth wrote: “I am so sorry.
"I had the absolute pleasure of knowing both Simon and Harry. My sincerest condolences to Caroline & the Hill family.”
Richard Parker, deputy area director at HSBC bank, said: “Devastating news, two fantastic entrepreneurs taken far too soon. Condolences to the family and all at Total Motion.”
Scott Gallacher, a financial planner at Rowley Turton – which is based on Meridian Business Park where Total Motion has its headquarters – wrote: “I was deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. My condolences go out to the family during this difficult time.”
Harj Hir, head of partnerships at Leicester City FC, wrote: “Devastating news. Simon became a personal friend after becoming a club partner – he will be badly missed. Simon was a big LCFC fan who saw it all, I will never forget our European trips."
Total Motion has grown substantially over the years, providing fleet vehicle services and advice to clients around the world and employing dozens of people. It has been included in De Montfort University’s list of the Top 500 companies in the East Midlands for the last few years.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'My son's vomiting was put down to a hangover - the next day he was dead'
- Tragedy of fit and healthy young man, 29, who died suddenly just months before his wedding
- Sticky floors, Ben Sherman shirts, Lynx Africa and cig burns - the 'cheesy' 90s night club people would love back
- Drunk teenager tried to swap seats after crashing Ford Fiesta on way home from pub
- CCTV appeal after robber with handgun threatens Post Office staff for cash
