Family’s heartbreaking tribute to Gloucester dad who died in A303 crash

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to three people who sadly died in a A303 crash. Andrew Carless, Dennis Smith and Claire Stride all sadly died after a serious crash on the A303 earlier this month.

Andrew, 44 from Gloucester was a "generous, thoughtful man", his family has said. They added that he "will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."

Andrew, also known as Andy, was born and raised in Gloucester and had a passion for rugby and the countryside. His family said they took great comfort that Andrew had spent the day doing what he loved the most, spending it with relatives at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show, including his uncle Dennis, who also died in the crash.

The families of Andrew Carless from Gloucester have paid tribute to him after a triple fatal crash (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

They added: “As well as his wife, Tina, who he married in 2016, Andrew leaves behind his two daughters, 15-year-old Hannah and 13-year-old Beth, his mother, Violet, sister, Rachael, and father, Keith; and a close-knit and loving extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces, cousins and more.

“He was incredibly proud of his family and loved to talk about them to everyone he met. He was a generous, thoughtful man who had a smile, a joke, a kind word and a helping hand for everyone.

“He loved a pint of cider at The Farmer’s Club, cooked a great roast dinner and enjoyed having a family Sunday drive out to a good farm shop for a frothy coffee and a fresh cream eclair.

"Andrew also adored his labradors and was rarely seen without one of his dogs at his heels. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Emergency services were called to the scene of a serious crash on the A303 near Whitelackington around 3.30pm on Thursday, August 15. A Skoda Yeti and a van were involved in the crash and Andrew, his uncle Dennis Smith and Claire Stride were in the car at the time of the collision.

Sadly, all three died at the scene. Two people who were in the van were taken to hospital. One of them sustained a suspected life-changing injury.

Andrew's uncle, Dennis has been described as "a legend to us" by his family and loved ones. Dennis' family have said he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a renowned dairy farmer and cattle breeder. He was also a well-respected judge of dairy cattle at many shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The 71-year-old who retired to Corfe in Taunton remained incredibly busy even during his retirement. He enjoyed horse racing, countryside walks most days as well as socialising with friends old and new.

His family said: “He adored his three grandchildren, who equally adored him. He has left behind his two remaining brothers, a sister, a son-in-law, two granddaughters, a grandson, nieces and nephews, in-laws, as well as many, many great friends.

“As a family we keep hearing him referred to as a legend. He was certainly a legend to us.”

Claire, the 64-year-old from Devon was called the "most loyal friend to many". She was a huge lover of animals according to her family, was fluent in Greek and loved horse racing.

Claire's family said: "Claire was sociable, fun, charming, and the most loyal friend to many. She was famous for her crossword wins! She was fluent in Greek, loved to craft, and made legendary preserves.

“Claire always had a pet of some sort and loved horse racing. Claire and her twin brother Shaun reunite in the heavens above. She is survived by her adoring parents, sister, and other family members, friends, and, very importantly, her beloved cat, Bird.”