Man who died in Arborfield accident was ‘one of the nicest’ people

A man who died because a company failed to adequately plan or monitor a job was “one of the kindest, most sincere and generous people,” his family said.

Levi Alleyne, 41, died in November 2020 when he lifted the crane arm of his truck onto overhead power lines in Arborfield, Berkshire.

A coroner said there were “no warnings, either verbal or visual” about the power lines.

An inquest in 2022 heard that Mr Alleyne, known to family and friends as “Chunks” and “Chunky”, was hired to deliver building materials to a construction site on Swallowfield Road.

His family said the time since his death had been “absolutely horrific.”

“The day Chunks died was truly the worst thing our family has ever experienced. We are completely devastated and will never recover. The pain of losing him is indescribable and the shock of that day will never leave us,” they said.

“To us, Chunks was our protector, the one we always turned to when we needed something. He made us feel loved and safe and was one of the kindest, most genuine and generous people you could ever meet.

“He would do anything for his family and friends and would go out of his way to help complete strangers if they needed help.”

Mr Alleyne founded the Southcote Colts children’s football team and his family said he had had a “tremendous impact” on people’s lives.

BBM Contracts, based in Aldbourne Avenue, Earley, must pay a contribution of £1,500 per month from 18 July towards the £41,613.50 compensation it was ordered to pay.

Before sentencing on 20 June, the court pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court.