A TALENTED showjumper was killed when his quad bike collided with a car.

Cedrik Laurent Ramos was riding a green Yamaha quad bike on the A417 towards Leominster when he was involved in a head-on collision with a white Fiat Sceicento east of Burley Gate at around 12.30am on Wednesday, August 10, Mr Ramos, aged 42, of Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, received serious head injuries and was taken to Hereford County Hospital, but was pronounced dead later that morning.

Mr Ramos was a French national and showjumper who had settled in Herefordshire.

His partner Jan Howells and friend Rosie Clare have jointly released a statement.

"Cedrik was a wonderful, kind and caring person who touched all who knew him. He was a gifted horseman and had an amazing empathy with animals," they said.

"He always had time to help anyone who needed it and was a true inspiration to all he trained. He lit up a room whenever he entered it and lived life to the full.

"His passing has broken our hearts: he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We were all so lucky to have known Cedrik and will never forget his presence. His memories will be with us always."

Dawn Waterman MFH, of North Herefordshire Hunt, said: "Cedrik was a very gentle, polite man who was well liked by everybody who met him.

"He supported the North Herefordshire Hunt and taught children at the North Herefordshire Pony Club.

"It's a terrible shock for everybody, particularly Jan. We're all just devastated by the loss."

The funeral was due to take place at Belmont Abbey, Hereford, at 10am today (Friday, August 19).

Anybody who saw the bike or the car on the A417 before the accident is asked to contact Sgt Tim Hargraves on 0300 333 3000. Information can be given anonymously on 0800 555111.