London 2012: Girlfriend of cyclist killed by Olympic bus pays tribute on Twitter
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The girlfriend of a cyclist killed in a crash with an Olympic bus has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to him, describing him as "the love of my life".
Web expert Mr Harris, 28, had moved into a flat in Wanstead with his Italian-born girlfriend Cecilia Dominici in February and friends described the couple as being devoted.
Miss Dominici, a photographer and social media manager for MediaCom, posted a black-and-white picture of the couple together on her Twitter page, with the words: “My silly English boy, the love of my life, my boo. I don’t know how to live without you.”
Mr Harris was on the seven-mile cycle home from work when he was in collision with an Olympic bus carrying members of the media to the Excel Centre on Wednesday night. The driver, a man in his 60s, has been arrested.
Friends and relatives today described Mr Harris as an accomplished cyclist who rode around Thailand in 2010, as they took to Twitter to pay tribute.
A memorial cycle in his memory is being planned for August 10. Mr Harris, who studied physics before becoming a social media strategist, took up cycling to work several weeks ago after complaining about delays on the Tube.
He was passionate about cycle safety and last month tweeted: “I’ve taking to loudly boo-ing #cyclists who jump red lights. They give the rest of us a bad name and should be publicly shamed.”
On his personal website, he said he enjoyed Arsenal FC, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Celtics, Leyton Orient, Plymouth Argyle as well as his camera and PS3.
Colleagues at web printing firm Moo.com today described him as a “popular, entertaining and much-loved” member of the team.
A statement said: “We were all incredibly shocked and saddened to learn this morning about the tragic loss of one of our colleagues, our Community Manager, Dan Harris.
“Dan looked after all things social media for MOO and was a popular, entertaining and much loved member of the MOO Crew.
“There are no words that can truly express how much we’ll all miss him, and his infectious enthusiasm, warmth and passion for life.”
Claire Coady, a Social Media Manager at BBH London, said: “I’ve never met one person who was such a true friend to so many. Numb with shock and grief. A real, true and irreplaceable friend to so many. He will be desperately missed.”
Photographer Nicky O’Dell wrote: “RIP Dan Harris. Such a legend & great mate. The laughter has suddenly turned to silence and now you know the answers to all questions.”
John Fitzsimons, editor of a finance website, said: “Feel the need to throw up to be honest. 28 is no age. I’ve known Dan since I was 11. Absolutely gutted. Numb. Please people, for f**k’s sake, be careful.”
Speaking after his gold medal in the time trial, Bradley Wiggins called for new road safety laws and said: “There’s got to be laws for both parties that protect both parties. Things like helmets, making them the law to wear, because ultimately if you get knocked off and you haven’t got a helmet on how can you argue?”
Campaigners claimed an accident at the spot was “almost inevitable” after a cycle path around the Olympic site was closed, forcing cyclists to use dangerous roads.
An inquest is due to open at Poplar coroner’s court today.
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