Fatal crash Tributes paid to victim of tragic A40 accident
FLOWERS and tributes have been left next to the A40 in Cheltenham after the death of Simon Mcdonnell.
The 27-year-old died following a collision with a HGV early on Thursday, August 16, near the roundabout junction with Princess Elizabeth Way.
An inquest into the death has been opened and adjourned and after an initial hit-and-run investigation, police said his death was ‘non-suspicious.’
Two men were separately arrested in the hours after the collision but have been released.
A 51-year-old man arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released without charge. while 62-year-old man has also been released.
After formal identification of the body by his family, police said that after extensive enquiries, officers had determined the incident was a tragic accident.
Reaction was being shared across social media in the hours before the police confirmation.
Afterwards, dozens of people wanted to share their support for Simon’s grieving family and friends.
Among the messages left on Gloucestershire Live, one man said: “I love that he will be remembered exactly how he will forever be, a genuine and unique, beautiful individual.”
A mother of a man who knew Simon said: “My son said he was so gentle..but his loss left him speechless. I’d like his family to know he was very loved. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends x.”
Another woman said: “Only meet Simon a handful of times he was a lovely guy always smiling and laughing, my thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time xx.”
His singing was remember by one woman: “Going to miss you loads your great singing such a great lad gone to soon rip Simon xxx”
Several touching messages and flowers have been left on the A40 roadside.
One tribute reads: “RIP Si. You were one of a kind and will be sadly missed by all. Rest easy.” Another says: “To one of a kind, Simon, miss you always.”
Following the accident at around 2am, police closed the A40 in both directions from the Benhall roundabout to the traffic lights near the TGI Friday’s restaurant.
After forensic investigations, the road was re-opened at around 6.30pm. conor.gogarty@reachplc.com