A BUSINESSMAN was killed by a car yesterday as he walked home.

Lee Ostridge, from Begbroke, near Yarnton, was walking along the A44 Woodstock Road, near Oxford Airport, when the accident happened early yesterday morning.

The 23-year-old former pupil of the Marlborough School, in Woodstock, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Oxford, but died a few hours later.

Last night friends laid flowers at the scene and paid tribute to a “wonderful person”.

Marlborough School headteacher Julie Fenn said Mr Ostridge was a “courteous, bubbly and genuinely nice young person”.

She said: “Lee’s teachers are deeply saddened by this tragedy.

“A number of our sixth form pupils knew Lee socially because they lived in the same village, and they are shocked and upset.

“We have very fond memories of Lee.

“He brought fun and laughter to the classroom and had a lovely sense of humour that was enjoyed by both his friends and his teachers.

“He was well liked by everyone who knew him.

“He was a courteous, bubbly and genuinely nice young person who was a credit to his family and our school.

“Lee embraced everything that school could offer and we are so proud of his achievements as a pupil and as a kind and thoughtful friend to others in his class.

“Our thoughts are with his family.”

Police said a blue Vauxhall Astra collided with Mr Ostridge shortly after 2.45am.

A force spokesman said last night he was walking home from a party. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

Along with friend Joel Walker, Mr Ostridge ran marquee hire service J&L Marquees, which is based in Tackley.

The firm, which was launched three years ago, supplies marquees and furnishings for weddings and birthdays.

Friends yesterday paid tribute on an online page set up in Mr Ostridge’s memory.

Josephine Allen said: “You will be dearly missed Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and girlfriend. RIP babe.”

Meanwhile, Nick Hiles said: “Just woke up and heard the sad news about Lee.

“I can’t get my head around it. You’ll be missed. RIP big man.”

Adam Fleetwood said: “You will be missed. You were such a nice bloke and a great friend to many.

“My thoughts are with your family, girlfriend and everyone that was close to you.”

Clare Dane added: “You were such a wonderful person, you will be so missed, Lee.”

Anyone with information about the crash should call Sgt Peter Jell on 08458 505505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk