Kuljit Singh Uppal, a 39-year-old father of two from Telford, died following a collision between a Porsche Taycan and a tractor towing a flatbed trailer on the A41 near Newport, Shropshire, on Tuesday, August 11, at approximately 10.55pm. Emergency services attended the scene, where he was pronounced dead.
Family and colleagues pay tribute to a devoted father
Mr Uppal leaves behind his wife Jas and two young children, aged five and two. In a statement issued through West Mercia Police, his wife said: “Kuljit was a devoted husband and father who worked incredibly hard for our family. This is a devastating loss to our family, and he will be desperately missed.”
His parents described him as a much-loved son, the youngest of three children. They said: “Kuljit had the most infectious smile and a truly unforgettable way about him. Wherever he went, he brought people together, and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in everyone whose life he touched.”
School of Coding & AI remembers a respected leader
Mr Uppal served as the Chief Operating Officer Governor at the School of Coding & AI (SoC). Manny Athwal, founder and Global Chief Executive of SoC, said: “We are absolutely heartbroken by the loss of Kuljit and our thoughts are first and foremost with Jas and their two young children at this incredibly difficult time.”
Athwal added that Mr Uppal was “completely committed to improving people’s lives through education and innovation” and that his “knowledge, experience and dedication played a key role in helping us to grow significantly and establishing us as one of the leaders in our sector.” He described Mr Uppal as a friend for 26 years and a colleague who “lived by the values we hold as a team and made it his life's mission to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds to have better opportunities in life.”
Police investigation and appeal for witnesses
West Mercia Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam footage from the moments leading up to the incident to contact them.
Witnesses are asked to email SCIUNorth@westmercia.police.uk quoting reference 22/78094/26. The family has requested privacy at this difficult time.
