A family and South Holland football club has paid tribute to a 42-year-old dad of four who has died in a road traffic collision.
Zack Mitchell was driving a black Mini when it collided with a grey Audi on the A15 near Sleaford at around 5.40am on Wednesday (July 15).
A family statement released by Lincolnshire Police today (Monday, July 27) released a statement calling him a ‘remember ‘a devoted husband, loving father, treasured son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend’.
It states: “For those who knew Zack best, his greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Claire, and their four young children, whom he adored beyond measure. He was also a cherished son, a much-loved younger brother, and a proud uncle to his nephews and nieces.
“To describe Zack simply as a family man does not fully capture who he was. He was, in every sense, a true partner to Claire. Together, they built a life centred on love, laughter, hard work and adventure.
“For 19 years they shared a bond that was built on mutual support, trust and friendship. They were, a real team.
“Zack was one of those rare people who never stood still. Whether at home, at work or in his community, he threw himself wholeheartedly into everything he did.
“He loved through action. There was always a project to tackle, a problem to solve, a family activity to organise, a football match to coach or a friend to help. His famous approach was to plough through the to-do list so he could get on to the fun.
“And there was always fun. Zack had a wicked sense of humour and a gift for finding lightness in everyday life. Whether he was turning a household mishap into a joke, breaking the rules by serving cake for breakfast, or doing something silly to make his children or Claire laugh, he brought joy wherever he went. His smile was infectious, his humour was legendary, and his ability to lift the spirits of those around him was one of his greatest gifts.
“As a father, Zack was extraordinary. He was patient, encouraging, present and fun. He celebrated every achievement of his children, no matter how big or small, and they knew without question how proud he was of them as did most people around him as he showed off photos and told stories about them.”
Sport was a huge part of Zack’s life and as well as cricket, fishing, paddleboarding and RC car racing, the Leeds United fan was a coach at Young Dons Football Club based in Donington where he was looking forward to his first season with the team.
The club released a statement last week saying: “Everyone at Young Dons is beyond devastated.
“Zack was a lovely and kind man who was looking forward to his first league season with his team. The club will do everything to support Zack’s wife Claire and their four young children during this horrendous time.
“If you met Zack you would know that he was always smiling and had an amazing sense of humour. For reasons best known to himself, he was a devoted Leeds United fan and would go as regularly as he could with his children to support them. He will be so missed by everyone.
“Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Zack’s family and friends.”
Zack’s family said: “He took great pride in helping young players develop both on and off the pitch. Zack believed in encouraging young people, building their confidence and helping them to realise their potential, and he found great fulfilment in seeing them thrive.
“That commitment to helping others extended far beyond sport.
“Many people have spoken about Zack’s remarkable ability to mentor, encourage and support those around him. He gave his time freely, never seeking recognition or praise. He offered wisdom without judgement, guidance without ego, and kindness without condition.
“So many people have already reflected on how Zack helped them through difficult moments, inspired confidence in them, or simply made them feel valued.”
Zack, who lived in Pointon, worked for JG Pears who he’d joined after 24 years with British Sugar where he met Claire.
“One of Zack’s defining characteristics was his determination,” the family statement continued. “Born partially deaf and wearing hearing aids from an early age, he learned to lip read by the age of three. Yet he never allowed adversity to define him or limit his ambitions. Through hard work, resilience, and positivity, he built a life filled with achievement, friendship, family, and purpose.
“Outside of work, Zack was rarely without a project. Whether landscaping a garden, building a gazebo, constructing bespoke furniture, repairing something around the house or mastering a new skill, he approached every task with characteristic enthusiasm and attention to detail. “Daddy will fix it” became something of a family motto, because more often than not, he could.
“Above all, Zack was a good man.
“He was humble, thoughtful, practical, and fiercely loyal. He was the friend who knew exactly what to say when life was difficult. The neighbour who would quietly help without being asked. The colleague who made everyone around him better. The husband who adored his wife. The father whose children were his greatest achievement.
“His loss is devastating and impossible to put into words.
“Yet while Zack’s life was far too short, it was extraordinarily rich. Rich in family, friendship, community, work, fun, adventure, kindness and love.
“His legacy lives on in the values he has passed to his children, the support he’s given to family and friends, the colleagues he mentored, the teams he built, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
“As his family, friends and colleagues remember Zack, they remember a man who lived well, loved deeply and gave generously of himself to others.
“He will be sorely missed, but he will never be forgotten.”
