Family’s tribute to Redbridge deputy head who died in crash

Eileen Tyler, a mum and gran who taught at Beal High School in Redbridge, died when she was struck by a car while crossing the road outside her home. 

The driver, 61-year-old Brian Berkin, of Bowes Drive, Ongar, Essex, was found not guilty of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court. 

The incident took place outside her home in Abridge, Essex, at 5.30pm on January 20, 2022, and Eileen died at the scene. 

She was married with two grown children as well as having a young grandchild. 

Eileen Tyler, who taught at the school for 16 years (Image: Essex Police)Her husband, Paul Tyler, said: “Eileen was an amazing wife, mother to our two grown-up daughters and had recently become a grandmother to a young granddaughter she will now never see grow up. 

“We have now lived for nearly two years without Eileen and are still coming to terms with what our lives look like without her. She was the heart and soul of our family. 

“Eileen lived an incredibly full and happy life and meant so much to her family, friends and members of her school community. She is incredibly missed and will never be forgotten.”   

Eileen worked at Beal High School for nearly 16 years. Her colleagues and students held a memorial and planted a tree in her name. 

On the outcome of the trial, Mr Tyler said: “Ever since the night Eileen died, our family has been struggling to come to terms with the devastating outcome. 

“Whilst no verdict or sentence imposed by the court could ever make up for our loss, we nevertheless feel let down with the result of this trial.” 

Mr Tyler is represented by Laura Murphy of law firm Leigh Day in a separate civil claim against Mr Berkin’s insurers. 

Ms Murphy said: “We will be pursuing a civil claim against the driver’s insurers. Whilst there is no sum that could compensate her family for their loss, the claim will seek to provide some financial relief.”