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Tributes have been paid to two leading Royal Navy air engineering technicians who died in a horrific crash.
LATs Calum ‘Gilly’ Gilbert, 23, and Daniel ‘Coxie’ Cox, 24, were both killed in a collision between a Ford Fiesta and a BMW.
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Tributes have now poured in for the pair following the tragedy on the A3083 near Culdross, Helston on 7 December.
Both technicians served with 820 Naval Air Squadron and were based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose.
Leight Gilbert’s family said: “Callum was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, brother to Megan and companion to Ellie.
“As a family, we will all miss him deeply and there are no words to express our sorrow at losing him. We have many fond memories that we will now hold close.
“Callum was a truly remarkable, cheerful, kind, caring, considerate, talented and loving young man.
“He had a huge heart and would light up any room with his smile, his presence and his sense of humor. We will all miss him greatly and will never forget him.”
“We will all love you and always remember you Callum – you are one in a million, sleep tight.”
While Leight Cox’s family said: “Dan was an outstanding son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin who was devoted to his family.
“Like her, our lives have been shattered and will never be the same again.
“Dan was a truly special multi-talented young man who was taken from us too soon, both greatly loved and greatly missed by many.”
His commanding officer, Captain Stuart Irwin, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of two of our men.
“First and foremost, my heartfelt condolences are with the families and loved ones who have been affected by this tragic incident.
“These were two bright young aircraft engineers who had already achieved much and served with distinction.
“At 820 Naval Air Squadron, at RNAS Culdrose, and in the wider community here in West Cornwall – we are all coming to terms with their loss.”
LAET Gilbert and Cox completed their training earlier this year and have helped maintain and repair the squadron’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters.
Police were called to the accident just after 9.10pm on 7 December.
The driver of the BMW had a suspected broken wrist and was taken to hospital.
Warrant Officer Steven Hughes paid tribute to the former, saying: “That’s the grin I remember. He had good manners too. It goes a long way.
“He had the ability to cheer everyone up with a glance. Even on a cold night, coming down from the deck of Queen Elizabeth, his eyes always sparkled.”
On LEET Cox, she said: “He loved his family and he loved his work. He was very enthusiastic. That’s my lasting memory of him.
“Every morning he’d walk into my office asking: ‘What time are we rounding up?’ And I would think: I haven’t even had a cup of tea yet and he wants to get out and start working.
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