Family Of Dead Cyclist Pay Tribute

26 March 2010, 12:36 | Updated: 26 March 2010, 12:42

The family of a woman cyclist who died after she was in collision with an articulated lorry in Southampton have paid tribute to her.

Amber Mattingley died at the scene of the crash, which happened at about 11.35am at the junction of Northam Road and Prince’s Street on Tuesday, March 23.

The 29-year-old, of Macarthur Crescent, Southampton, has been described by her family as “kind, thoughtful and caring, with a fantastic sense of humour, a wicked addictive laugh and someone who always had time for others”.

Amber’s family added: “She was fun loving, honest and loyal, a very hard worker and animal lover. She was often seen walking or riding her bike around Southampton listening to her music on her big headphones and singing loudly enjoying herself, and talking fondly of her two pet guinea pigs.

“More than that she was a stunningly beautiful young girl full of energy who had her whole life still ahead of her, it is just so sad that she will not live to enjoy any of it.

“She will most definitely be missed sorely by her very large family who will hold her dear in their hearts until they are together again.”

Prince’s Street and part of Northam Road were closed for three and a half hours while crash investigation work was completed.

The white-cabbed Volkswagen lorry with a silver grain carrier trailer was driven by a 59-year-old Cumbria man. He was not injured.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw the incident or either vehicle shortly before the collision. The cyclist was on a blue bike which was on Northam Road, heading towards the city centre, before the collision. The lorry was travelling in the same direction on Northam Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Julian Ainsworth at Totton Roads Policing Unit, quoting Operation Bursary, on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.