Superyacht designer dies in crash
By Michael Howorth
The Superyacht Designer Björn Johansson was killed tragically on Thursday 17th January on the Isle of Wight when his KTM 990 motorcycle was in collision with a bus in Ryde, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
Björn, founded his company, Bjorn Johansson Design, in 2001 and in recent months has been expanding the firm following a string of highly successful commissions.
Bjorn who was just 33 when his life was cut short was a well respected member of Bembridge Lifeboat Crew and he is survived by his wife Annette, two children Emily and Olivia, his parents Christer and Sally and his brother and sister, Andrew and Nicola.
In a statement a member of the family told us:
“The last few days have been very difficult for all of us and we are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic news. Björn was a wonderful husband, father, son and brother and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. “As a family we intend to continue Björn’s legacy. It is our aim to focus our energies on ensuring his passion and inspirational work live on, as we know this is what he would have wanted.”
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 30th at 3pm in Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Bembridge, followed by refreshments at the Bembridge Sailing Club. The family have requested that o flowers be sent and have asked that any donations be sent to Björn’s favourite charity, the RNLI, care of Weaver Bros, Weaver’s Yard, Lane End Road, Bembridge, PO35 5US.
Isle of Wight police are appealing for witness to incident. The bus, carrying three passengers plus the driver, was turning right at the junction of Great Preston Road and High Park Road when it collided with the motorcycle at approx 8.15am. Police are seeking the three people who were thought to be on the bus, two Ryde High schoolgirls and one man in his 50s, to get in touch.