Moving tribute paid to ‘life and soul of the party’ killed in Leicestershire M1 crash

A man who died in a collision on the M1[1] has been named by police. The family of Rowan Dodge has also issued a statement, calling him the "life and soul of the party". Rowan, who was 31, died following the incident which happened at junction 22 of the M1 near Markfield at around 4.40am on Sunday, March 16.

Mr Dodge was the driver of a white Volkswagen Golf which was involved in a collision with a Leyland DAF HGV[2]. In a moving tribute, Rowan's family said they are "heartbroken and devastated" by his loss. They said: "Rowan was beloved dad, stepdad, partner, son, grandson and brother.

He was full of energy and always up for an adventure." The family of the Melton[4] man continued: "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 collision forced the closures of both carriageways of the M1, with the road remaining shut for several hours.

Police said the driver of the HGV did not suffer 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 collision, but officers are continuing to investigate.

Pc Suki Sahota, from the force's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We believe that prior to the collision, the Golf had been involved in a separate collision[5]. "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."

Anyone with information or dashcam footage relating to the crash should call Leicestershire Police[6] on 101, quoting incident 88 of March 16.

Alternatively, report information on the force's website.

We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first[7]

References

  1. ^ died in a collision on the M1 (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  2. ^ which was involved in a collision with a Leyland DAF HGV (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  3. ^ Tributes paid to 'much-loved' Leicestershire man killed in collision (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  4. ^ Melton (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  5. ^ the Golf had been involved in a separate collision (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  6. ^ Leicestershire Police (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
  7. ^ We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)

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