Motorcyclist John Carl Prizeman, 42, from Saltash, died at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on Thursday afternoon after his Suzuki motorcycle was in collision with a Ford Focus driven by 58-year-old Donald Prouse from the Liskeard area, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Stoketon Cross, near Notter Bridge, at about 1.30pm that day.
Mr Prizeman's pillion passenger and friend, 29-year-old Gary Moore, from Saltash, suffered a broken pelvis, leg and ankle and also suffered internal injuries but is currently recovering at Derriford. The A38 was closed from the Trerulefoot roundabout until just before midnight on Thursday while police accident investigators studied the scene. Surrounding roads quickly became busy as traffic was diverted away from the area. The Cornwall and Devon air ambulances as well as the police helicopter were at the scene.
Police later appealed for witnesses to come forward and said that prior to the collision Mr Prizeman's motorcycle had been heading west along the A38 while Mr Prouse was driving in the direction of Saltash.
Mr Prizeman's family later released a statement saying he had been much more than a partner and a father of two.
'He was a rock, a soulmate and an adored and loving dad, with a "Peter Pan" like approach to life,' they said. 'John's greatest talent was in bringing laughter to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by all.
'John loved spending time with his family and friends, riding his bike and playing his guitar, living life to the full.'
His partner, Wendy, and daughters Abi and Emma said they appreciated all the kind thoughts and wishes that had flooded in.
'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the other family suffering the loss of their loved one, and to John's close friend wishing for a speedy recovery,' they added.
Mr Prouse was an engineer working in Plymouth who leaves a wife, Jane and three children, Lewis, Lee and Lisa. They are said to be distraught at his loss.