A MAN who was involved in a serious bike crash in the Philippines has died.

Jason Smith, 51, who used to live on Canvey, was taken to St Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo, in a critical condition after he and his wife Maffi were involved in a serious motorcycle accident in Kalibo last month.

Both suffered severe injuries but Jason also had kidney failure and was later put on a mechanical ventilator.

The hospital could not perform a life-saving operation on him because they did not have enough blood, leading to friends and family appealing for donations.

The community raised £13,000 to help his family with medical costs.

Sadly, Jason lost his battle for life on Tuesday.

Touching tributes have been paid to him by family and friends.

Linda King, from Canvey, who describes Jason as “like a son”, said: “Jason will be sorely missed by everyone. He was a loving, caring and giving man. At least he is no longer suffering.

“We would like to thank everyone for being so generous. It truly is heartwarming - even people that didn’t know him have helped contribute.

“We love him and we’re going to miss him desperately.”

Linda added that police have confirmed the crash was not Jason’s fault.

She said: “They have said it was the other driver who was on the wrong side of the road and had no lights on.”

His wife, who is still recovering in hospital, was able to see him before he died.

Belinda Placey, 55, of Westwood Road, Canvey, organised the ‘Walk for Jason’ that was held this weekend.

She said: “We already missed him while he was living in the Philippines but will miss him even more knowing we can never speak again.

“We know that he loved living there and was happy. We are so grateful for everyone that donated and that turned up and walked with us.

“Everything raised is going to the hospital bills.”

The money will also be used to cover funeral costs as well as the expense of bringing Jason home.