Family Tribute After Dogwalker's Death

The family of an American woman who died after being hit by a car as she walked her dog near Winchester have paid tribute to her.

Caitie Homan, 24, died on Thursday morning, May 16th, 2013 at Southampton General Hospital a day after being struck by a Vauxhall Corsa on the B3049 near Lainston House Hotel at Sparsholt.

Police interviewed a 17-year-old female driver, but no-one has been arrested.

Caitlin's family issues a statement saying:

"Although she did not survive, her decision to become an organ donor was honored. There is hope that as many as six or seven patients will be helped from her donation.

"Caitie was a graduate student at the University of Portsmouth pursuing her PhD in Psychology. 

"The focus of her research was on whether dogs could detect deception in humans, or as many of her supporters viewed it, whether dogs could be trained to let someone know when they detected deception.

"Caitie was born and raised in Canton, Connecticut and graduated Canton High School in 2006.  She then attended University of Maine, graduating with majors in Wildlife Ecology and Psychology. 

"During her summers there, she interned at a big cat sanctuary outside of Colorado Springs, CO.  She also did two internships at the West Palm Beach Zoo in Florida.

"After graduation, Caitie worked at the Lemur Conservation Foundation near Sarasota, Florida.  She began as intern and progressed to Animal Care Specialist.

"During her time there, she completed two research studies investigating the lemurs’ understanding of transparent barriers.

While only attending University of Portsmouth for nine months, she had many wonderful friends among her colleagues in the Psychology department. 

"She was known for her passion for animals and her sense of humor.  There is hope that a means will be found to support someone to continue her research which is considered original and creative.

"The family gives many thanks to the police officials, hospital nurses and doctors, and her many colleagues for making this difficult time so much easier."