Family home of pedestrian killed in Nine Elms helicopter crash burgled (From Sutton Guardian)

Family home of Matthew Wood, killed in Nine Elms helicopter crash, burgled

1:26pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Sophia Sleigh, Reporter

The family home of the pedestrian killed in the Vauxhall helicopter crash was burgled as his relatives gathered to mourn.

Matthew Wood, 39, from Brunswick Road, Sutton was killed in the crash as he walked to his office in Wandsworth Road on Wednesday morning.

Yesterday while his family had gathered to mourn at his brother Darren’s home, the house where his sister and mother live in Welbeck Road, Carshalton, was burgled.

His sister, Amanda, 31, described it as the worst week of her life and said: “It seems that they just took some jewellery – earrings mainly from my bedroom. It’s just sickening.

“To think the police said there is a spate of them in area. But you just can’t imagine how it feels. It’s sickening, it really is.

“You just think after all you go through you wouldn’t have to end up with something like this to deal with.

“No precious things like photos were taken. At this time they are very important.”

Miss Wood had some small gold hoop earrings stolen as well as dress jewellery including stud earrings.

The family lived in the house for around 20 years and found out about the burglary just after 10pm last night when a neighbour called them while they were watching the news.

Miss Wood returned home to find the back door had been kicked in.

Mr Wood’s death came almost a year after his father Brian died from leukaemia on January 21.

Miss Wood’s church, Sutton Christian Centre, where Mr Wood attended quiz nights posted on their Facebook: “Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse. While Amanda and her family were together today at her brother's house, thieves have broken into the home Amanda shares with her mum.

“This lovely, giving, kind family have had more than enough to deal with over the past year.

“Please continue to pray for them. Pray for God's comfort and protection for them all and pray that those things which have been stolen, particular anything with sentimental value, might be quickly recovered. Unbelievable.”

Mr Wood was dedicated to his young nephew and liked to travel and go drinking with his friends.

He was into heavy metal music, going to gigs and many people know him from the Hot Rocks music store in Sutton.

Miss Wood described him as "A big friendly giant. He was a big guy with a big heart."

A post mortem gave the cause of death as severe burns and leg injury. An inquest will open in due course. 

Did you know Mr Wood? Leave a tribute in the space below or email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk.