Yahoo News Loving tributes after three people die in A303 crash
The families of three people who died tragically in a collision on the A303 in Somerset have shared their loving tributes. Andrew Carless, his uncle Dennis Smith and Claire Stride were travelling along the road, near the village of Whitelackington, on Thursday, August 15, when they were involved in a collision with a van.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 3.30pm but the trio were sadly confirmed to have died at the scene. Two people in the van were taken to hospital, with one having suffered a life-changing injury, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Dennis and Andrew, also known as Andy, were uncle and nephew and had attended the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show in Dorset.
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Andy's family said they took comfort that his last day was spent what he loved the most. Andrew, 44, was born and raised in Gloucester, with a passion for rugby and the countryside.
His family added: “As well as his wife, Tina, who he married in 2016, Andrew leaves behind his two daughters, 15-year-old Hannah and 13-year-old Beth, his mother, Violet, sister, Rachael, and father, Keith; and a close-knit and loving extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces, cousins and more.
“He was incredibly proud of his family and loved to talk about them to everyone he met. He was a generous, thoughtful man who had a smile, a joke, a kind word and a helping hand for everyone.
“He loved a pint of cider at The Farmer’s Club, cooked a great roast dinner and enjoyed having a family Sunday drive out to a good farm shop for a frothy coffee and a fresh cream eclair. Andrew also adored his labradors and was rarely seen without one of his dogs at his heels.
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.”
Dennis’ family said he enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a renowned dairy farmer and cattle breeder. He was also a well-respected judge of dairy cattle at many shows across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The 71-year-old retired to Corfe, Taunton but remained incredibly busy even during his retirement. He enjoyed horse racing, countryside walks most days as well as socialising with friends old and new.
They said: “He adored his three grandchildren, who equally adored him. He left behind his two daughters, brothers, sister, son in law, two granddaughters, grandson, nieces and nephews, in laws as well as many many great friends. As a family we keep hearing him referred to as a legend. He was certainly a legend to us.”
Claire Stride, 64 from Devon, was a huge lover of animals. Her family said: " Claire was sociable, fun, charming, and the most loyal friend to many.
“She was famous for her crossword wins! She was fluent in Greek, loved to craft, and made legendary preserves. Claire always had a pet of some sort and loved horse racing.
“Claire and her twin brother Shaun reunite in the heavens above. She is survived by her adoring parents, sister, and other family members, friends, and, very importantly, her beloved cat, Bird.”
