Crime, Poole | Posted on January 14th, 2026 | return to news

Tributes paid to Poole father following fatal collision

A man has been arrested and released on police bail, but officers are still appealing for witnesses to the collision.

The family of a young father who died following a hit-and-run collision have paid tribute to him.

Dorset Police received a report at 2.12am on Wednesday 7 January 2026 that a man had been found unresponsive in Wimborne Road, near the junction with Heath Avenue, in Oakdale.

Following further enquiries, it was reported that at around 2.06am the man had been involved in a collision with a vehicle, which had failed to stop at the scene.

Emergency services responded and very sadly the man — 26-year-old Adam McClelland — was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following extensive enquiries by officers, a 51-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of driving offences. He was subsequently released on police bail as officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Adam’s family has released the following tribute: “It is with the deepest sadness we have to announce that our beautiful boy Adam McClelland, 26 years old, passed away on Wednesday 7 January 2026. Adam was involved in a road traffic incident on Wimborne Road in Poole.

“This has left a massive emptiness in our lives that is impossible to fill. He leaves behind his two beautiful boys, aged six and four, and their mum; a mum and dad; seven brothers; grandparents; and friends who will keep his memory alive forever.

“Funeral arrangements are being made and will be distributed to everyone who loved and knew him over the next few days.”

Officers are continuing to investigate the collision and are urging any witnesses who have not already spoken to police, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, or via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk, quoting occurrence number 55260002554. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.