Identity of Upton Bypass collision victim confirmed by police

Last week, we reported that a pedestrian had died after being struck by a vehicle on the Upton Bypass.

Today, police have confirmed the victim’s identity as Linda Hesford, a 24-year-old woman from Poole.

Dorset Police received a report at 8.10pm on Wednesday 4 December of a concern for the welfare of a woman who was walking eastbound on the A35 Upton bypass from Upton towards the Shell garage. It was subsequently reported that the woman had been involved in a collision with a vehicle.

Emergency services attended and Linda was taken to hospital where she was very sadly pronounced dead.

Linda’s family have issued a tribute to her. Her husband, Steven Hesford, said:

“Linda was angelic and positively affected all who knew her. With a heart so big and a soul so beautiful, we were blessed to be in her presence. I found my true love in Linda and she was my absolute. She was an incredible stepmom to the children and a devoted, loving wife to me. I am blessed to have found the one.

“Thank you to all my family and friends here and in Latvia for their support, especially my nearest and dearest during this difficult time. Thank you to the emergency services who tried their best and did all they could. Linda will be missed by so many, but her legacy will continue.

“Mīlu tevi Linda, saldus sapņus – love you, sweet dreams Linda.”

Police are still investigating the incident and are appealing for eyewitnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from around the time of the incident to step forward.

Police Sergeant Mike Burt, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain very much with Linda’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“We owe it to them to carry out a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances of this collision and I would like to renew the appeal for any witnesses, who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240186207. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.