Tributes to Plymouth biker

Karol Zalewski, 27, madę people smile

Family, friends and members of the parkour community have paid tribute following the death of a Plymouth man who was killed after being knocked off his motorbike last week.

Karol Zalewski, 27, died at the scene of a collision in Kings Road, Plymouth, at around 10.50am on Tuesday 20 May.

Those close to Karol – or Lolek as he was known to many – have paid a series of moving tributes to him.

His mother, father and younger brother Marzena, Tomasz and Kamil said: “Thank you to everyone for the beautiful words you’ve shared about our son. It means so much to see how deeply he touched the lives around him.

“The world will never be the same without you. You left behind a void that can never be filled, a wound in our hearts that will never heal. You were like a ball of fire, always moving, always open, always shining your energy on everyone around you. Your positivity was infectious.

“Our little boy… you were taken from us in a heartbeat, without a chance to say goodbye. You had so many dreams, so many plans left unfinished. Whenever we were upset, you’d always say, ‘I love you,’ and we’d reply, ‘We love you more’.

“Son… what now? You would’ve been the most wonderful father, if only life had given you the chance.

“We just want to say thank you for letting us be your parents. We love you, our son. Always.”

His best friend Oskar Kieda said: “I knew Karol for 20 years. To say he was my best friend doesn’t even begin to cover it - he was like a brother to me. We did everything together. Even though our personalities were so different, we were like yin and yang - two halves that made a whole.

“Karol was the best person I’ve ever known. And I know people often say things like that after losing someone, but in his case, it’s simply the truth. He was genuinely good. He never did anything to hurt anyone. He was the most helpful person I’ve ever met - always ready to lend a hand, always putting others before himself. He would sacrifice his own happiness just to make someone else smile.

“I just hope my brother is in a better place now. I will always love him and carry him in my thoughts. Rest in peace, Karol.”

Meg Cadwaladr (girlfriend) said: “Lolek, you were the sweetest, kindest, purest soul. You cared and loved everybody, as well as your community. You worked so hard and had so many goals to achieve.

“I still cannot get my head around that I won't ever to see your beautiful smile again. I am so proud of the man you were, words cannot describe this heartbreak. We had so many plans for the future, taken too young. I love you so so much. We are all going to miss you very much.”

Plymouth Parkour team members said: “Karol/Lolek - honourable young man, living his life and pursuing his dreams. You were a great role model for young people and an even greater partner/friend/brother. Through his work he impacted hundreds of people in the city and worldwide

“We had the pleasure to witness his metamorphosis from a shy teenager to a noble man equipped with solid morals, high standards, love for his family and dedication to his purpose of training, coaching, and mentoring new breed of athletes (and also tonnes of funny memes).

“We have him in our hearts and memories, smiling and throwing crazy moves forever.”

Scruffy Boys, friends from the parkour community, said: “We lost our heart and soul. You gave so much life to our circle. You were the spontaneous energy that held us down and kept us together. We will forever be missing a piece without you Lolek, and your grit and determination to keep moving even when things got rough. You forever gave us companionship and love unconditionally.

“We often spoke about how everyone has two families in life, the one you’re born with and the one you make along the way. Though we didn’t share the same blood, you were and always will be our brother and this family will never feel whole again without you.

“A brother, a hype man, a coach, a mentor, a role model, a partner, a son.

“Nothing can sufficiently put into words how we all feel right now. You had so much left to give. Thank you for everything Lolek.”

The road was closed whilst a forensic examination of the scene took place. Officers would like to thank members of the public for their patience whilst the road remained closed.

If anyone witnessed the incident, or has video or dash-cam footage of the incident, please call police 101 quoting log 208 of 20 May.