Family pay tribute to Gosport traffic victim
FAMILY MEMBERS have paid tributes to a Gosport man who sadly passed away following a fatal road traffic incident that occurred in Grange Road earlier this month; police naming him as 74-year-old Derek Thompson as they continue to investigate the exact causes behind the collision on the afternoon of Thursday, March 16.
As previously reported in the Globe, emergency services attended the collision between a white Toyota Aygo and Mr Thompson, who was walking his dog. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but his condition worsened and he sadly passed away on March 23; whilst his injured dog has since been reunited with family.
His family are currently being supported by a team of specialist officers and have paid the following tribute to him: “Derek was a lively and energetic 74-year-old with a love for nature and the outdoors. He was incredibly fit and walked at least 10 miles every day with his beloved pet dog Meg along the seafront. Derek was a true gentleman and scholar, a man who never stopped reading and learning and was (always) happy to share his knowledge or learn from others. He had a big heart and was gracious and was kind to every person he met.”
They continued to add: “Derek will leave a shattered and devastated family of Jamie, Claire, Molly, Matthew, Meg (his beloved dog and companion) and his friends who will miss his amazing sense of humour, his (ever) constant smile and being such an integral part of their lives. Words will never convey the heartache and pain Derek’s death has caused. This most gentle of men, a man who never asked for anything but was always so willing to give (to others he knew or met), a true inspiration to all who knew him, a true (and proper) legend.”
Police are continuing their ongoing investigations in relation to the collision and are keen to locate a potential female witness who helped Mr Thompson in the aftermath; with a statement saying she was wearing pink or purple clothing. They are furthermore seeking potential dash cam footage from drivers in surrounding areas.
Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quote the case’s reference number 44230105433. They can further submit details using this online reporting tool available on the Hampshire Police website, with official support and guidance available on the links here.
Alternatively, readers can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online forms which can be found through their website: https://orlo.uk/250kR
PICTURED BY HAMPSHIRE POLICE: Derek Thompson passed away after sustaining injuries from collision.
