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Tragic death of "only son we waited ten years to have"
A RAWMARSH couple lost their only son this week, after an early morning car crash at Parkgate.
Robert Crook, 23, of New Meadows, died after his blue Ford Focus RS apparently veered off Rotherham Road at 4.10am on Tuesday morning, hitting a tree and a wall.
He had been on his way home from a night out at Sheffield's Corporation music club and had just dropped off friends.
His parents, Dennis and Dorothy Crook, had waited 10 years to have their "lovely son".
Mrs Crook said: "Rob was known for being a safe driver, so none of this makes sense.
"Everyone loved him to bits. He had so many friends, all local lads that went through school with him, and they're giving us fantastic support."
About 40 of Rob's friends met up at the Monkwood pub on Tuesday evening to toast their pal, nicknamed "Bean", who was always willing to drive them on nights out.
A charity "Bean Fest" has been planned for March 6 in his memory, at the town's Star Inn, featuring the local bands Rob loved.
Close friend Simon "Soggy" Hartley, of one of the bands – the Monte Carlo $afe Crackers – told the Times: "Rob was our biggest fan and a great roadie... always cheerful and a great lad all together.
"We had to do something, and the Festival on March 6 will include all Rob's favourite songs. I hope it will be an annual thing.
"He loved his car, and once told me if he had to go he'd want it to be in his car... but he was the best driver going."
Simon will choose the music for his friend's funeral. Ex-Rawmarsh Community School pupil Rob was a keen bass guitarist, who hoped to join a band soon, said his parents.
He had played roller hockey for Yorkshire and Rother-ham Ravens in his teens, and players from as far away as Canada have contacted his parents this week.
"Car mad" Rob had had no previous accidents – and had recently left his job at the Ventura call centre, to train as a driving instructor.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.
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Weather for South Yorkshire
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
