DEVASTATED colleagues of a Kidderminster ambulance technician who died in a car crash battled in vain to save his life.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) emergency medical technician Gavin Hunt and his wife were involved in a road traffic collision on The Terrace in Clows Top, on Friday (February 2) at around 7.20pm.

They were driving along the A456, from the direction of Bewdley towards Newham Bridge when the collision with a grey Lexus - which was travelling along the B4202 from Cleobury Mortimer - occurred.

Residents from the village rushed out to the scene and provided first aid, while also stopping other traffic on the road, before emergency services arrived.

Despite the best efforts of WMAS staff, Mr Hunt died at the scene. His wife was taken to hospital where she remains in a stable condition and she is being supported by the ambulance bosses.

The driver of the Lexus, a 45-year-old man from Worcester, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released under investigation which inquiries continue.

Mr Hunt’s heartbroken colleagues are also being offered support by the service.

The 52-year-old joined Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service in 1997, moving to front line operations in 2000 and he was based in Kidderminster.

Bosses said Mr Hunt had never had a day off sick in his career and he was due to be presented with his 20-year medal in March at the Trust’s award ceremony.

WMAS chief executive Anthony Marsh 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 and will be greatly missed.”

Nathan Hudson, emergency service operations delivery director, added: “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 a devoted husband whose untimely death has come as a shock to everyone.

“Our thoughts remain with Gavin’s family during this challenging time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting 632s of 2 February.