Dad who died in M1 lorry crash was ‘life and soul of the party’

The family of a beloved dad who died after a crash with a lorry on the M1 has been named, as his family paid tribute to him. Rowan Dodge, 31, was the driver of a white Volkswagen Golf which was involved in a collision with a Leyland DAF HGV at 4.40am on Sunday, March 16. The father was died at the scene on the southbound carriageway near junction 22 at Markfield[1].

Leicestershire Police[2] said officers believe the Golf was involved in a prior collision[3] before the crash with the HGV. The driver is believed to have been stationary in lane one of the carriageway at the time of the accident. In a statement, the family of Mr Dodge, from Melton Mowbray, said: "Rowan was a beloved dad, stepdad, partner, son, grandson and brother.

He was full of energy and always up for an adventure. "He loved socialising and was the life and soul of the party - so much so his voice was the first anyone heard. He was a keen rugby player and a loveable force who put a smile on everyone's face.

"We're all heartbroken and devastated to lose such an incredible soul in such tragic and sudden circumstances. Nothing can fill the holes in our hearts that he's left behind." The driver of the HGV did not sustain any physical injuries but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

He has since been discharged. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. PC Suki Sahota, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: "We believe that prior to the collision, the Golf had been involved in a separate collision.

We believe it had stopped stationary in lane one - the left lane - of the carriageway, when it was struck by the HGV. "I'm still keen to speak to anyone who may have driven past and seen the Golf in this position before the collision involving the HGV. Any drivers who may have captured footage on their dashcams which may relate to this incident are also asked to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 88 of March 16.

References

1. ^ near junction 22 at Markfield (www.nottinghampost.com)
2. ^ Police (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ Golf was involved in a prior collision (www.nottinghampost.com)