Hampshire Constabulary

Family pay tribute to motorcyclist who died after collision with ambulance

The family of a motorcyclist who died in a crash on the A3093 in Andover have paid tribute to him.

Kenneth Mellor, of Pendennis Close, Basingstoke, was riding his red Triumph Daytona motorcycle along the A3093 towards the westbound carriageway of the A303 when he was in collision with an ambulance.

The crash happened shortly after 6pm on Tuesday June 15.  

Mr Mellor, 52, crossed the central reservation of the dual carriageway and collided with an ambulance which was travelling in the opposite direction.

The ambulance was responding to an emergency call at the time of the collision.

The driver of the ambulance and his crewmate were not injured.

Mr Mellor’s family has released the following statement – “Kenneth Anthony Mellor, known to all family, friends and business colleagues as Tony, died 15th June 2010 aged 52. Born in Elland and brought-up in Halifax he came south to Brunel University, Uxbridge and gained a BSc in Mechanical Engineering.

“Tony settled in Hampshire however his career in Engineering was short-lived moving to telecommunications, computer engineering and project management.  His career took him to live in Germany for several years however he returned to the UK nearly every weekend to spend time with his son.

“Tony was a dedicated father to his son Mark (aged 19).  They spent much time together enjoying the outdoors.  Tony's love of nature was shared through his small woodland in Dorset.  Father and son spent many a happy weekend camping in the woods, teaching Mark about conservation and wildlife, building campfires and cooking in the open-air. 

“They also shared a love of motorbikes spending happy summer evenings riding in the Hampshire countryside, stopping for refreshment and returning home to reflect upon the journey.

“Wednesday 15th June was a perfect evening for a ride together. There was much to discuss as Mark had attended an interview to join the Police.  It was a clear dry evening; there was nothing to indicate the day would end in tragedy.  Sadly Tony died instantly as the result of a road traffic accident near Andover.

“Tony will be greatly missed.  He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, charitable nature and above all the love and commitment he showed to his son Mark.” 

Following the crash, a section of the A3093 was closed for four hours to allow officers to conduct a full investigation.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicles immediately prior to the incident to get in touch.

The red motorcycle is likely to have been accompanied by a black motorcycle prior to the collision.