Friends of Larry Thomas, who was killed on April 27 in a tragic road accident, held a fundraiser at the Level Nightclub on Front Street in aid of his family.

Mr. Thomas became Bermuda's eighth road fatality this year after his motorcycle and a van travelling in the opposite direction collided on Somerset Road in Sandys near the junction with Tankard Lane just after 3 a.m. Mr. Thomas, 34, is survived by a wife and two young children.

Last night at around 9.30 p.m., dozens of his friends and those who remember him, turned out to support those he loved. Club co-owner Barnaby West said he expected more than 100 people to turn out before the fundraiser finished at about 3 a.m.

He said: "Because it's Mother's Day we're expecting a large crowd. We're charging a door fee of $20 for admittance and we'll also be having special drinks that will also raise funds."Tonight is a chance for those in the industry that worked with him and others who knew him to do something for his family."Music was showcased by DJ Fozzy and DJ Bitsey.

Bartender John Martin referred to Mr. Thomas as a mentor.

"He was definitely a mentor in the industry," he explained."I met him back in the days of the Oasis Night Club and I knew him for about ten years. Whether Larry was out working or not, he was always a happy guy.

"You'd never hear any bad words about him. Larry worked in so many clubs around the Island. The reason I call him a mentor is because he was involved with everybody getting into the industry.

"It's not the easiest industry to work in and it requires the right personality and he was the model of that personality. Tonight's a good opportunity to support his family; I believe he was taken from us too early."