Driver arrested as much-loved ambulance worker killed in crash
Gavin Hunt had never had a day off sick and was due to be presented with his 20-year service medal.
A man has been arrested after a dedicated and much-loved ambulance technician was killed in a crash at a busy junction near the south Shropshire border.
Tributes have been paid to Gavin Hunt, aged 52, who served Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service for more than 20 years.
He was travelling with his wife on the A456 near Cleobury Mortimer at around 7.20pm on Friday when his Perodua Nippa car was involved in a smash with a Lexus, which had been on the B4202 where the two roads meet.
His wife survived and is in a stable condition in hospital.
A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released as police investigations continue.
Mr Hunt joined Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service in 1997 and joined frontline operations three years later.
He never had a day off sick and was due to be presented with his 20-year medal at an awards ceremony in March.
West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive Anthony Marsh paid a glowing tribute to Mr Hunt, who was based at Kidderminster.
He said: "At this sad and difficult time, I am sure I speak for everyone within the trust in conveying our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Gavin who has been taken away far too soon.
"Gavin was truly dedicated to the ambulance service and has helped thousands of patients during his career.
"I saw first hand not only how deeply upset staff were at the scene but also how incredibly hard and professionally they worked with police and fire colleagues at this immensely difficult incident.
"Staff and managers truly did all they could to save Gavin's life.
"He was a well-respected member of the ambulance family in Kidderminster who will be greatly missed."
Nathan Hudson, emergency services operations delivery director, said: "Gavin was a much-loved member of staff and excellent at his job.
"He was a very jolly and personable person who always had a smile on his face.
"He was a long-serving member of staff and devoted husband whose untimely death has come as a shock to everyone.
"Our thoughts remain with Gavin's family during this challenging time."
