Taxi driver fell to her death off 300ft cliffThursday, July 19, 2012A mother-of-two and well-known Sevenoaks taxi driver plunged 300ft to her death while on a dog walk with her partner.
Laraine Goodwin died on Saturday after falling from the top of a cliff at Beachy Head in Eastbourne.
Although police have said the incident is not being treated as suspicious, the circumstances of her death are unclear and an inquest will be held.
The shocked family of the 49-year-old have paid tribute to Miss Goodwin, known as Raine to those closest to her.
She had lived in Chapmans Close in Sundridge for the past 13 years with partner Simon Goodwin, 50, and sons Sam, 21 and Tom 14.
She worked for Beeline Taxis in London Road, Sevenoaks and as an independent driver.
Describing the weekend incident, a numbed Mr Goodwin said: "We were just out walking the dog, Flint, and we had been to that spot in Beachy Head about five times before.
"We liked to go there because dogs are allowed and can be let off the lead and we liked going out for a meal there before walking along the beach.
"But now I will never go there ever again."
The incident has been called a "tragic accident" by Sussex Police and is not being treated as suspicious.
Mr Goodwin said of his partner: "My beautiful baby girl I'm going to miss you for ever.
"I will look after the boys and I'm going to be there for them and carry on and think of you for ever and ever until we meet again. I love you so much darling, I am so sorry."
The rest of her family described her as a "bubbly and beautiful person."
Her mother Margaret Geer, 71, said she had "lost her best friend."
"She was the life and soul of the party and loved her family," she said.
"She was happiest when in South Shields where she lived for four years between 16 and 20. My best memory of her was how she used to get the giggles.
"She loved her boys so much and there wasn't a nasty bone in her body."
Miss Goodwin had been devastated to lose one of her closest friends last November.
Lorraine Loader, 49, known as Tubs, lost her battle with cancer in November, leaving Miss Goodwin distraught.
Miss Goodwin was much-loved among her friends and family as well as those she drove around in her Sevenoaks taxi.
Helen Brigden, 44, worked at Beeline taxis with Miss Goodwin for a short while and was a friend.
She said: "Laraine took over her dad's licence after he died and she was so proud to be an independent driver and to carry it on in his memory.
"She learned every road in Sevenoaks off by heart."
An inquest will be heard and funeral arrangements had not been confirmed as the Chronicle went to press.
Source; http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Taxi-driver ... story.html
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