THE family and friends of a father-of-three who died after stepping in to help a man involved in a disturbance have added their own tributes to him online.
Savannah O'Connell said her dad, Kevin, was "her hero", while one of his former teachers said he was "a smashing lad" who was "always smiling".
Others have said trying to help someone in trouble was "typical Kev" and well-wishers have passed on their sympathy to Mr O'Connell's family.
The 33-year-old died after being in collision with a car in Burton Road, Derby, at 1pm on Saturday.
Police say he stopped after seeing the disturbance and gave chase to a man before colliding with the car which was being driven by someone unconnected with the incident.
It is understood all three of Mr O'Connell's children were in the car from which he got out to give chase.
Mr O'Connell's family were still too upset to talk directly to the Telegraph today but on our website and Facebook page they left their own tributes.
His daughter, Savannah, said: "RIP daddy, I love you.
"I will always be thinking of you, you're my hero x."
Elaine Dean, on our Facebook page, said: "Very, very sad and dreadful for his children who witnessed this – they will be traumatised.
"I had the pleasure of teaching Kevin at Merrill. He was a smashing lad, always smiling.
"We've stayed in touch through Facebook and he was so settled and happy.
"Deepest condolences to all the family."
Kayleigh Prince was another of the readers who left a tribute to Mr O'Connell.
She said: "This man is more than a hero, his loved ones should be so proud of him and what he achieved.
"Taken far too soon. I wish all the best to the family and I hope that justice is served."
And Matthew Brian Richard Nash left a message which read: "RIP Kevin, you helped me a lot when I was getting bullied will miss you m8!!"
Two people were arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident on Saturday and have been bailed by the police.
No charges have been brought against either of them.
Another online tribute came from David Murphy who wrote: "Great sad, helping others from bullies, I hope they're happy with themselves. RIP great man."
And Sharon Chambers said: "So sad, lovely family. I had grown up with Kev's mum.
"My thoughts go out to his family.
"God bless you are a hero and a true gentleman RIP xx."
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call Sergeant Darren Muggleton of the police's collisions investigations unit on 101.
