Tributes paid to 'larger than life' Jammer

Buy photos » Drummer Jamie Airns, aka Jammer, was described as always being happy. (s)

THE PARTNER of a popular drummer who died in hospital a fortnight after a horrific car crash has said she has been left with a huge hole in her heart following his death.

Jamie Airns, from St Georges Close in Evesham, was thought to be in a stable condition in Birmingham's QE Hospital after he crashed with a lorry on the A38 near Droitwich last month.

But the 46-year-old, known as Jammer to his friends and family, suddenly became unwell and passed away on Sunday, July 1.

His partner Debbie O'Connor said she was heartbroken by Jamie's death.

"I have lost a wonderful human being, a larger than life person who was always happy," she added.

"He was everything to me and this has left a huge hole in my heart.

"Jamie was never ill and was always fit and healthy. He loved music and played the drums for 30 years, playing all around the country and in Europe. We also loved going away to America for our holidays."

Ms O'Connor who was with Jamie for more than a decade added she would treasure all the time she had with him.

"He inherited my three kids and then the grandchildren and he treated them all the same," she said.

"He was full of love and he was loved by all his family and friends, especially his mother Pauline, who is 76 and asked me to say just how much she loved him. We are all devastated and Jamie will be sorely missed."

Officers investigating the crash, which happened about 6.45am on Friday, June 15, on the A38 at the Copcut Elm traffic island, have made an appeal for witnesses.

PC Sian Norman said: "The crash occurred a month ago, but I need everyone to come forward who saw the collision or remembers seeing the two vehicles involved in the moments before the collision.

"While it occurred quite early in the morning, there were still a lot of drivers on the road at that time of the morning and I am sure there are people out there who have important information who have not been in touch; I urge them to contact us."

PC Norman can be contacted via the non-emergency police number 101 or information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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