The grieving family of a man who perished in a fire at a business park say he died a ‘hero’ after going to help ‘without hestitation’.
Father-of-two Dave Chester, 57, who ran a construction business at the site, died alongside two firefighters after a huge blaze broke out on Thursday evening.
Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, lost their lives tackling the inferno at Bicester Motion, a former RAF airbase home to dozens of firms mostly specialising in classic car restoration.
Another two firefighters – part of a ten-crew response – remain in hospital with serious injuries.
In a tribute released today, Dave’s family said he was ‘always known as the man you went to when you needed any sort of help’.
‘This is exactly what happened on Thursday evening, he saw firefighters needing assistance and helped without hesitation,’ they said.
‘He was not a victim but a hero, he died the way he lived – helping others and putting them ahead of himself.’
The tribute continued: ‘Dave was the most amazing man we will ever know, we love and miss him so much. He was a loving and caring father, husband, son and brother.
‘He was Bicester born and bred and known by almost everyone. Once you met Dave, you never forgot him or his quirky sense of humour.’
Bicester Motion’s managers said Dave was ‘part of the fabric of our estate and a friend to us all’.
Friends and relatives of Jennie and Martyn praised them both as ‘heroes’ who would be sorely missed.
The pair were both involved with Bicester Rugby Club’s women’s team, part of a ‘tight-knit’ community around the wider club.
‘We are a family and it’s hit the club and the wider community very hard,’ BRUFC’s chairman Paul Jaggers said.
Authorities have not released any information on how Dave, Jennie and Martyn died.
Police said they are working with fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire, adding it will be a ‘complex investigation which may take some time’.
Nearby residents reportedly heard a series of ‘loud bangs’ and ‘pops and crackles’.
The prime minister, Keir Starmer, said of the victims: ‘My thoughts are with their families and friends.
‘The bravery of our firefighters is astounding. Hoping those in hospital make a full and swift recovery.’
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