Tributes were yesterday paid from colleagues of a British man who lost his life on Bermuda’s roads in the second road traffic fatality of the year.Colleagues of Dr Joseph Footitt, 37, yesterday described his death as a “terrible and tragic loss”.Dr Footitt died after a crash on Harbour Road earlier this week. His 36-year-old wife suffered minor injuries. It is understood they were on the Island to attend a wedding, with Dr Footitt reportedly due to stand as best man.Dr Footitt was a National Institute of Health Research Clinical Lecturer in the Airway Disease and Infection Research Section in the National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI).A spokesman for the NHLI said: “It is with great sadness that Imperial College London has learned of the death of Dr Joseph Footitt.“Dr Footitt joined the college in 2007 and was an outstanding scientist whose clinical research was making great strides to advance our understanding of treatments for emphysema and chronic bronchitis.“The thoughts and condolences of the college community are with Mr Footitt’s family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.”Sebastian Johnston, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy at the NHLI, who worked closely with Dr Footitt said: “This is a terrible, tragic loss.“I have worked with Joseph for the last five years, and was looking forward to working closely with him into the future. He was an extraordinary man in the true meaning of the word, a great sense of humour, energetic, extremely talented and universally liked.“His loss is devastating to many, both personally and professionally. My thoughts are with his wife, his parents and all those friends who were lucky enough to enjoy his wonderful company. We will miss him enormously.”Meanwhile the investigation into the fatal crash continues. Police are urging witnesses to contact Pc James Eli of the Roads Policing Unit on 295-0011. Dr Footitt is the second visitor to lose their life on a rental cycle in Bermuda this year.American Michael Lancelotta, 48, lost his life following an accident on Wellington Street in St George’s near Tiger Bay on February 5. He too was riding a rental cycle that collided with a water truck and subsequently died as a result of his injuries.