A 78-year-old volunteer rider for Blood Bike Wales died after his motorcycle collided with a van while carrying NHS supplies between hospitals, the charity said.
The crash occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on July 2 on the A478 between Glandy Cross and Blaenffos in Pembrokeshire. Emergency services pronounced the rider, identified by Blood Bike Wales as Timothy Minett, dead at the scene. The charity said Minett was carrying life‑saving supplies at the time of the collision.
A white Volkswagen Crafter was involved in the collision. A 56‑year‑old man was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, South Wales Police said. Officers closed the road overnight following the crash, appealed for witnesses and asked anyone with dashcam footage to come forward. Specialist officers have been supporting Minett’s next of kin.
Blood Bike Wales, a volunteer charity that delivers emergency blood, donor milk and other medical supplies between hospitals, paid tribute on social media, saying it had "suffered a heartbreaking loss." The organisation said on Facebook that Minett "tragically lost his life in a collision while carrying out his duties for the charity," and described him as "a much‑loved husband to Jane, a valued member of our Blood Bikes Wales family, and a true friend to many." Local reports and tributes noted that he "died saving others."
Minett, who lived in Lower Nash near Pembroke Dock, was married and retired. The family said they were "deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a devoted husband, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend." The charity said volunteers will hold a memorial ride in his honour on Oct. 19.
South Wales Police said the investigation into the collision remains ongoing. The force confirmed that inquiries, including witness and vehicle checks, were being carried out and that any resulting actions would be taken following the evidence gathered.
Blood bike groups operate across the U.K., providing out‑of‑hours and urgent transport of blood products, samples and other critical medical items to support NHS services, typically relying on volunteer motorcyclists and drivers. Such services aim to reduce waiting times for transfusions and to ensure timely delivery of materials between hospitals, particularly during night hours and weekends.
The crash and subsequent arrest highlight the risks volunteer couriers face while performing time‑sensitive deliveries on public roads. The charity's announced memorial ride is expected to bring together volunteers, colleagues and members of the local community to remember Minett and raise awareness of the service provided by Blood Bike Wales.
Police have not released further details about the arrested man, and no charges had been filed publicly as of the latest update. Anyone with information about the collision is being asked to contact South Wales Police through the force's non‑emergency channels and to provide any relevant dashcam footage to assist the investigation.