Jan Short and Toby
Police investigating a double fatal road traffic collision near Weymouth are renewing their appeal for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.
The collision occurred at the crossing point at the foot of the pathway from Goldcroft Avenue, where it crosses to give access to the trails around Radipole Lake, shortly after 5pm on Saturday 26 July 2014.
It involved a bronze coloured Honda motorcycle, ridden by a 23-year-old local man and a local 63-year-old female pedestrian and her dog.
PC Andy Loveless, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “Early indications are that the motorcyclist was travelling north, from the Swannery bridge location toward Chafeys roundabout, and the female pedestrian walked out to cross the road into the path of the motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, the pedestrian and the dog all sadly died as a result of the injuries they received from the collision.” The family of the female pedestrian have released a statement: “Janice Linda Short, 63, passed away on Saturday 26 July 2014 after a fatal traffic accident in Weymouth whilst she was crossing a road with her dog Toby, who was also lost in the accident.
“Jan, originally from Leighton Buzzard, moved to Weymouth with her husband Andrew to be closer to their family, after retiring as a teaching assistant 12 months ago. Jan and Andrew would have celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in September. Jan was mum to three children, Adam, Emma and Caroline, and Nanna to her six adored grandchildren, whom she loved more than we can find words to express at this time.”
Jan’s husband Andrew said: “Jan was the centre of our world and in a split second, tragically taken from us all. The love that her young grandchildren will now miss out on is a void we can only hope to fill by finding the strength to pull together as a family.
“Her wonderful spirit, love and enthusiasm will be missed every day by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.”
PC Loveless continued: “The road was closed for several hours while police collision investigators carried out a thorough examination at the scene and the public are thanked for their patience while this time consuming but essential process took place.
“I would like to speak to any witnesses that have not already spoken to police.”
Call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 26:395. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
