The family of a man who tragically died after a collision on the M1 have paid tribute to their “beloved dad, stepdad, partner, son, grandson, and brother.”
Rowan Dodge, aged 31, from Melton Mowbray, was driving a white Volkswagen Golf when it collided with a Leyland DAF HGV at 4:40 AM on Sunday, March 16. Mr. Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
In a statement, his family shared: “Rowan was a beloved dad, stepdad, partner, son, grandson, and brother. He was full of life and always eager for an adventure. A social butterfly, he was the heart of any gathering—his voice was the first everyone heard. He was a passionate rugby player and a lovable personality who could always make people smile.
“We are heartbroken and devastated by the loss of such an incredible soul under such tragic and sudden circumstances. The void he has left in our hearts will never be filled.”
The driver of the HGV was uninjured but was taken to the hospital as a precaution and has since been discharged. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
PC Suki Sahota, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “Before the collision, we believe the Golf was involved in a separate incident and had come to a stop in lane one (the left lane) of the motorway when it was struck by the HGV.
“I would urge anyone who may have seen the Golf in that position before the crash or who may have dashcam footage to come forward.”
Information can be reported online via Leicestershire Police’s Road Traffic Incident Report page and quoting incident 88 of 16 March. Alternatively, call 101.
