THE pillion passenger who was seriously injured when the motorcycle he was travelling on crashed in has now died.

His family have issued a heartfelt tribute to Joel Vinten, 27, of Sackville Road, Bexhill, who sustained serious injuries when the motorcycle collided with a lamp post on the A269 Ninfield Road, Bexhill at about 10.30pm on Thursday.

Joel was taken to Kings College Hospital in South London where he died on Monday 16 March.

The rider, a man aged 26, also from Bexhill, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he is still in a serious condition.

Joel’s mother, Donna, speaking on behalf of his family, said; “Joel was a much-loved son and brother.

"We are all deeply distressed by this terrible news, as are his many friends, and we are extremely grateful for all the support we have received.”

Anyone who saw the collision, or who may have seen the blue Yamaha motorcycle being ridden beforehand, is asked to contact Sussex Police, either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Westland.