Weymouth: Families Visit Fatal Crash Site

31 July 2014, 12:48 | Updated: 1 August 2014, 16:28

A section of road in Weymouth where two people were killed in a crash at the weekend closed on Thursday evening (Jul 31) so friends and family could visit the site.

Dogwalker Janice Short died as she crossed the road, along with 23-year-old biker Max Fryman who crashed into her, and Janice's dog.

The A354 Weymouth Way between Chafey's Roundabout and Swannery Bridge closed between 6.45pm and 7pm.

The collision happened 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.

Police Constable 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 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."


Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101.