A CYCLIST has died after spending five days in a coma following a crash, sparking tributes to the “free spirit” who was loved across the city.

Leon Mboneli, 44, from Southend, passed away in the Royal London Hospital after he was hit by a car in Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff, on December 27.

He was rushed to hospital where he spent five days in a coma, surrounded by family and friends, before he died over the New Year.

A fundraiser has been set up in a bid to raise money for the father-ofthree’s funeral and to support his family, raising more than £4,000.

Speaking to the Echo, a close family friend who asked to remain anonymous said: “It was touch and go and we were with him. We were holding his hand and talking to him.

“The family is struggling, and it was sudden and during Christmas.

"He was an amazing guy and soul and was a jack of all trades. He was a chameleon - an engineer, mechanic and other many other things.

“He was the guy to call if you needed work doing like flooring laid or garden landscaping. There was so much he could do.

“He also worked with Arriva and could take apart an engine.

"He worked in pubs and restaurants too and was everyone’s best friend.”

The friend added: “He was a free spirit and everyone wished they could live life like him.

Emergency services were called to Salisbury Avenue following the crash - involving a car and a cyclist - at around 5.20pm on December 27.

The road was closed with a cordon in place following the crash, and residents reported seeing several emergency services on the scene.

The car stopped at the scene of the crash, and Essex Police has confirmed no arrests have been made in relation to the incident.

Leon’s death has sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, with countless friends paying heartfelt tributes.

Mac Pemhiwa, friend of Leon, said: “We’d known each other for over 20 years and he was a really good man.

“He was a good dad and anyone who spoke about him always said he was such a people person. He was very chatty, lively and funny.

“He was very involved in the community and if anyone needed help with anything from mechanics to technology or removals, he was the man to go to.

“He will be missed very much in Southend.”

To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/2hh8hu-leons-funeral-costs