Family and friends mourn 21-year-old crash victim Russell Coombes as appeal goes nationwide to find his prized Nissan

Russell Coombes (Image: Archant)

Russell Coombes sold his prized red Nissan 350Z four months before dying in the tragic collision.

Now, his family are trying to track his pride and joy vehicle down so that it can feature as part of funeral plans.

In the meantime a tribute trip is taking place this weekend in honour of the popular young man.

His cousin Josh Page said: 'Russell was a real petrol head, loved his bikes, loved his car, but he had to sell the Nissan as it was costing so much.

Russell Coombes (Image: Archant)

'We are hoping we can find it so it can be part of the rally.

'Russell was one of the best people you could ever meet, he was the best of everyone, always there for you, never said a bad word about other people.

'I was looking forward to getting my bike test so I could go out with him.'

The car registration plate is E2 DLJ and it is thought it may be in the London area.

Russell Coombes (Image: Archant)

The rally sets off from Halfords at King's Lynn at 5.30pm on Saturday January 2, the same day as Josh's 19th birthday, and heads to Old Hunstanton where lanterns will be released in Russell's memory.

Anybody who would like to join is welcome, Josh said.

On the day of the funeral, yet to be arranged, plans are in the pipeline for a bike rally from Wisbech to King's Lynn.

Russell, of Marshland St James, died on Monday (298) in a collision at about 10.25pm at Spalding. Police say no other vehicle was involved.

Russell Coombes (Image: Archant)

He worked at Scania Truckeast and was a former College of West Anglia student.

He was also a former member of the 272 Wisbech Squadron Air Training Corps.

On his Facebook page one friend wrote: You brought a smile into every room you walked into, lived on the edge and had some amazing experiences in your life.

'You are and always will be loved by so many people Russ, just wish there could have been more years to make more memories.'

Another said: 'Santa Pod in heaven will be waiting when we all get there. Until then, just know I'll always remember the great times.'

Other tributes included: 'One of the few I never heard speak evil against anyone.'

Another: 'Such an amazing and genuinely lovely lad.'

Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact the Lincolnshire Police witness hotline on 01522 558855.

The 272 Wisbech Squadron Air Training Corps wrote on their Facebook page: 'Unfortunately there is sad news to share. On Monday evening a former cadet from 272 (Wisbech) Squadron ATC lost his life in a tragic motorbike accident, he was 21.

'We send our condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

'RIP Russell Coombes.'

A member of the group, Andy Huggins, posted: 'I knew Russell both in and away from cadets while I was his SNCO at 272.

'I had the privilege of teaching him engineering when we worked together after he left school. He was a talented engineer and always keen to learn.

'Russell was a keen cadet and ready to take on any challenge.

'It is strange and sobering to me that I and some other ex-cadets from 272 were having a pre-Christmas drink on Christmas Eve and Russell walked in, our evening was then filled with reminiscing about old times at both 272 and work.

'My condolences go out to his family and close friends who have lost a dear person from the world.

'One of Russell's comments to me on Christmas Eve was 'the times we had at cadets were some of the best times of my teenage life and are memories that would stay with me forever.

'All of you on here that are still within the ACO grab every opportunity you can and push for more; it is a brilliant organisation and with some effort on your part you can have the most amazing experiences and find friends that will stay with you for life.'