'I love you too' was last message of Shoreham air crash victim

Updated

The fiancee of a Shoreham air crash victim has revealed his final words to her before he died in the disaster that claimed 11 lives.

Mark Trussler, 54, told Giovanna Chirico "I love you, too, forever" in a text message he sent before a Hawker Hunter jet plummeted on to the A27 in West Sussex.

The disaster happened as the vintage plane failed to pull out of a loop-the-loop stunt during the Shoreham Airshow before crashing on to the road, exploding into a fireball.

Ms Chirico said Mr Trussler, a window cleaner, had taken his motorbike for a spin as he wanted to see the Vulcan flight.

In an emotional tribute released through Sussex Police, she said: "It was a nice day and I text him when the flight was due.

"He replied saying I should get the kids ready so we could take them out to lunch on his return. I said I loved him and he replied 'I love you too, forever'. I didn't hear from him again.

"He was an amazing dad who had a passion for motorbikes and rugby. He would do anything for his kids and they couldn't have asked for a better dad.

"He loved all his family. He was happy-go-lucky and if you were down he would cheer you up. We are going to miss him terribly."

Father-of-six Mr Trussler, from Worthing, leaves children Samantha, Kaitlin, Luke, Mia, Sophia and Alicia.

Paying tribute, Samantha said: "My dad was my best friend and the best father anyone could ask for.

"He would always make me laugh with his silly jokes. I will painfully miss him every day. I am very proud to be his daughter. He was loved by so many."

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