THE family of a nine-year-old Ludgershall boy who died after his mother crashed while overtaking on a blind bend have released a tribute.
Zac Roe sadly died on March 25, 2024 on the A354 near East Woodyates in North Dorset after the car he was travelling in, which was being driven by his mother Barbara Roe, crashed into a white Ford Transit van and a DAF cattle transporter truck and trailer.
Witnesses said Roe was travelling at speed and attempted to overtake other vehicles prior to the crash.
Roe attempted to overtake the Ford Transit as she approached a blind left-hand bend, crossing the solid white line marking in the middle of the road.
She crashed into the cattle transporter travelling the opposite direction as she rounded the bend.
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Members of the public stepped in to give first aid, but Zac was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Zac’s father and paternal grandparents have now paid tribute to him following his tragic death.
“We want to pay tribute to this much-loved boy,” they said.
“His father adored him, as did we. He was a popular boy who had many friends.
“He had an amazing imagination. He just loved making things out of Lego, twigs, cardboard, string and Sellotape. Just the same as his dad did when he was Zac’s age.
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- Zac’s family have asked people to donate to Dogs For Health charity in his name Picture: Dorset Police
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- Picture: Dorset Police
“He was talented at drawing and spent many hours adding detail to whatever he drew. We called him nature boy as he loved being outdoors, making dens, riding his bike and scooter, playing parkour and army games.
“He just loved life. He was always smiling. He should be here now enjoying his life.
“Money has been raised and there is now a therapy dog named after Zac. This is Zac’s legacy as he loved dogs. If anyone one would like to donate in Zac’s memory please go to the ‘Dogs for Health’ Facebook page.
“We will never stop loving him. The good memories are too hard to think about yet. But when we are ready to remember them, we will know how much he loved his short life, which was brutally taken away.
“No one will ever forget our wonderful Zac. Our grief will last until our last breath.”
Barbara Roe was charged following an investigation by the serious collision investigation team (SCIT)and subsequently sentenced to five years in prison.
She was also disqualified from driving for a period of seven and a half years.
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5 years not long enough! What was the judge thinking ? Poor lad must have been terrified, you cannot call a woman like that a mother. No thought for her child at all. Put in the cell and throw away the key.