A man who died as a result of a road traffic collision on The Downs last Saturday has been named as 40-year-old Michael Horne from Southampton.
As previously reported by Island Echo, emergency services were called to Mersley Downs on the morning of Saturday 6th June following a single vehicle road traffic collision.
Despite best efforts, Michael Horne, of Sholing, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. It is thought the Royal Mail van he was driving left the road before going down a steep embankment and into a disused quarry.
Tributes have been paid to the father-of-2 today (Monday).
In a statement his family have said:
“We are absolutely devastated by this tragic event. Michael was a wonderful son and brother, loving husband and devoted father to two amazing children.
“He was an avid Saints supporter and an active member of Sholing Football Club, spending many enjoyable hours as assistant coach to the U14 and U12 White teams. We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of sympathy and kind messages from the local community.
“As a Royal Mail delivery driver, Michael had been a key worker throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and we just can’t believe he won’t be coming home to us. Our lives will never be the same again and we miss him terribly.
Article continues below this advertisement “He still had his life to live and he has left a large hole in ours. He probably never realised how many people loved him”.
Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting 44200202668. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.