MORE than 200 people from Salcombe have visited the parish church to pay tribute to Dennis Corbin, 23, who died in a tragic accident at the weekend.

Dennis, known as Denzil, was manager at the Island Street Bar and Grill, and was travelling in a VW Transporter Van in Polzeath, Cornwall, when he fell from the vehicle on Saturday night.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall police said: ‘He sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to Treliske Hospital and then to Derriford Hospital, where he later died.’

The family of Dennis have paid the following tribute: ‘As a family we are heartbroken to announce Dennis sadly passed away on Sunday, September 25 after a tragic accident. We would like to thank everybody who visited Dennis in intensive care, sent messages and supported us. It was comforting to know he has touched the lives of so many people. As a family we ask for privacy during this difficult time.’

Holy Trinity Church in Salcombe stayed open until midnight on Sunday, where they have set up an altar for people wishing to keep vigil for Denzil. The altar will be kept as a tribute until the weekend, where people will be able to say a prayer, light a candle, and sign a book of condolence for Denzil.

Salcombe Vicar, Father Daniel French said: ‘Denzil was part of a close-knit group of people working in the hospitality industry, and a part of the Winking Prawn family in Salcombe. We’ve had about 200 people visit the church in the last 48 hours, to talk about Denzil, pay their respects and light a candle.

‘I was able to visit Denzil on Sunday afternoon and say prayers at his bedside. I so very much appreciate just how devastating his death is. On behalf of myself and the church community, I would just like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends in Salcombe. The ministry team are available to anyone who would like to talk about what’s happened.’

The Winking Prawn group of Salcombe cafes, including the Winking Prawn at North Sands, the Island Street Bar and Grill and Sailor V stayed closed for two days this week out of respect.

Jacquie Horvath, manager of Sailor V said: ‘Denzil was a dear soul, a young man with his whole life ahead of him, with time, a smile for all and a caring, hard working and endearing attitude.

‘He will be missed very much indeed. His loss is still hard to comprehend - we are all in a state of disbelief.’

Denzil also played football for Salcombe Town FC, and a spokesperson for the club said: ‘Salcombe Town FC would like to pass on their thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew one of their brightest and most talented young players, Denzil Corbin, who tragically passed away last week. He will sorely missed by everyone at the club.'

Denzil’s funeral service will be a Catholic Requiem Mass in Poole, and Holy Trinity Church in Salcombe would like to organise a memorial service for him next month.

A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and has been bailed until Friday, October 21, pending further enquiries. Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact police by emailing [email protected] or by calling 101 quoting log number 168 for the Saturday, September 24.