Heartfelt tributes from family and friends of Richard Edwards have been left at a lamppost just feet from the entrance to a Derry police station.
Mr Edwards (68) died on Wednesday following a road traffic collision between his motorbike and a police vehicle.
It is understood the collision occurred close to the gates of Maydown Police Station when Mr Edwards, a father and grandfather, was returning from a trip to Limavady.
PSNI officers and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene.
Mr Edwards was subsequently airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast but died later as a result of his injuries.
A PSNI spokesperson told The Irish News that the incident will not be investigated by the Police Ombudsman because it “does not fit within the remit if the Police Ombudsman as it involved police staff, and not a police officer”.
Sinn Féin councillor Alex Duffy who lives in Strathfoyle said he had known Mr Edwards and his family for many years.
“My immediate thoughts are with the Edwards and Doherty families and friends at this sad and difficult time,” he said.
“The people of Strathfoyle are tight-knit and pull together at times of tragedy, and I know they will be there to support Richard’s family in the days and weeks ahead, as they come to terms with this devastating loss.”
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he knew the family and had visited their home on Friday morning to pay his respects.
He added: “There is huge shock and sadness in the Strathfoyle area. Richard was a man who was well known and well respected in the area, which is a very close-knit community. His death has been a tremendous shock.
“First, we heard there was an accident and then we heard there had been a death. The initial shock has been replaced with overwhelming sadness in the community.
“It is just heartbreaking.”
In a family notice, Mr Edwards was described as the beloved husband of Rosie, loving father of Alison and Amanda, father-in-law of Andrew and John, devoted grandad of Emily and Karagh, and a much loved brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
His funeral will take place on Monday June 24 at 11.30am in St Oliver Plunkett’s Church in Strathfoyle.
