Young man died in crash on the day his brother came home

9:43am Friday 19th December 2003

By Clare Kelly

FAMILY and friends are mourning the death of a popular 20-year-old who died in a road accident - the same day he was due to be reunited with his brother who was returning from America after 16 months away.

James O'Sullivan, of Manor Road, Penn, died on his way to work in Burnham when his Renault Clio collided with a telegraph pole in Penn Road, Beaconsfield, on Tuesday morning.

He was due to meet his brother Daniel, 23, later that day for the first time in over a year.

His devastated family said James, who was due to celebrate his 21st on January 4, was popular and special.

Mum Angela said: "He was just special and will be missed. Our lives will never be the same again. He adored his little sister. He protected her.

His sister, Julia, 18, added: "James was just funny. He was a humorous person. He was very popular. He had many friends. Everyone misses him."

Before James' death, the O'Sullivans had been looking forward to Christmas and a family reunion for Daniel's return.

Angela said: "We had huge plans for a family Christmas. And then James was celebrating his 21st birthday and my husband, Bernie, was celebrating his 50th birthday."

Julia added: "Last Christmas Daniel was in America. It was supposed to be the five of us this Christmas."

Daniel arrived home half an hour after police left the house after breaking the news of James' death to the family.

The accident happened near to the junction with Woodchester Park at around 4.55am when the vehicle left the road and collided with a telegraph pole.

James had been on his way to work at Window Flowers in Burnham. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

James, a university student studying a BSc in Landscape and Garden Design at Writtle College, part of Essex University, had been a pupil at Davenies School in Beaconsfield before going on to the Royal Grammar School in High Wycombe and then sixth form at John Hampden Grammar School, High Wycombe.

He enjoyed rugby and was known fondly to friends as Sully, a nickname he gained when he started playing rugby at the age of seven. He also enjoyed music and socialising with his friends.

James' funeral will be held on Monday at 11am at St Teresa's Church in Beaconsfield. After the funeral, the burial will be held at Cock Lane Cemetery, Tylers Green.

There will be a collection box at the funeral, with donations going to the NSPCC.

Police are appealing for any information about the accident. Witnesses should contact PC John Belson on 08458 505 505 or 0800 555 111.