Tributes to Olympian who died in garden centre lorry crash
Anthony Brian Hebditch was pronounced dead at the scene following the collision at Stewarts Abbey Garden Centre on Mill Lane, Titchfield, on November 1[1].
Now, his children have paid tribute to the 75-year-old from Midfield Close, Fareham[2].
Known as Brian, he was a skilled clay shooter, representing Great Britain at the 1976 Olympics, which were held in Montreal, Canada.
His children said: "Brian Hebditch, our Dad, meant so much us. He loved his job as a shooting coach and ran a shooting school in Hampshire for many years.
"When our Mum was diagnosed with cancer he sold his business and devoted himself to caring for her until her death.
"His friends describe him as a true old-fashioned gentleman, great company and a great shot.
"He was also a renowned clay shooter at national and international levels, and represented Britain in skeet shooting at the Montreal Olympics in 1976.
"We are devastated he is no longer here. His death leaves a huge hole in our family, we will miss him so much, as will his grandchildren, his friends and his new puppy."
Police previously arrested a 30-year-old man from Southampton[4] on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
He was later released under investigation.
A police spokesperson said today that 'enquiries into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing'.
They also renewed their ongoing appeal for witnesses: "Anyone who witnessed the incident should call 101, quoting the reference 44230446638."
Submit information online by going to the police website[5].
References
- ^ on November 1 (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Fareham (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ The Mercantile Flea in Bitterne to close this month (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ Southampton (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
- ^ police website (www.hampshire.police.uk)