The family of 22-year-old road crash victim Adam Goodwin have spoken of their pride at the tributes paid to their "amazing" son and brother since his death at the weekend.

The young sailor — an officer of the watch on the Spirit of Bermuda — was killed when his bike hit a wall on South Road in Smith's just after 4 a.m. on Sunday.

Friends and colleagues spoke that day of a warm and empathetic character, who was a shining star in the sailing world and well on his way to becoming a sea captain.

Mr. Goodwin's family, of Smith's, told The Royal Gazette in a statement yesterday that the tributes had deeply touched them.

"We are very proud of Adam and all of his achievements and appreciate all the support and kindness that is coming our way.

"To hear that other people have seen the amazing character and achievements that we see in our son/ brother has been moving.

"For such a young man, the amount of people he has touched from all over the world has left us filled with such pride, despite our devastation. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks for all the messages and support."

The Spirit, Bermuda Sloop Foundation's youth training vessel, flew its flag at half mast yesterday and will do so again on the day of Mr. Goodwin's funeral.

Malcolm Kirkland, the Foundation's director of strategic initiatives, said: "Spirit is out on a five-day voyage with Clearwater Middle School girls.

"We did receive permission from Cabinet Office to fly the Bermuda ensign at half mast this morning and on the day of Adam's burial.

"For me, Adam is the spirit of Bermuda and what you can hope for in a child and see become as a young man."

A Police spokesman said last night that the crash, at the junction with St. Mark's Road, was still under investigation. "An autopsy is anticipated," he added.

The Goodwin family's statement said they had no other details about the accident.

A Facebook page set up in memory of Mr. Goodwin, a former Saltus Grammar School student, has received numerous messages of condolence from all over the world.

Bermuda Road Safety Council chairman Christopher Johnson said last night that the organisation extended its condolences to the Goodwin family.