Tributes paid to beloved dad-of-seven who died during crash in London Road, Hilsea

Mark Pinhorne, 59, died on Tuesday afternoon during a crash in London Road, Hilsea.

The 59-year-old, of Sandown Road, Cosham, lost control of his silver Renault Trafic van, which crash through a set of metal railings.

Tragically, the beloved grandfather was pronounced dead at the scene, despite valiant efforts from the emergency services.

Now, his grieving family have paid tribute to Mr Pinhorne, who was described as a ‘devoted family man’.

In a statement, his family said: ‘A loving husband, dad, grandad, son and brother Mark Pinhorne sadly passed away on April 6, 2021.

‘Coming from a large family which Mark was devoted to, he was a real family man. His wife Alison, all his seven children and extended family and friends are truly devastated.

‘A hole has been left in our hearts that can never be filled. We are all so proud that he loved us all so much and everyone who knew him, we are so grateful to have shared his life.

‘We as a family would like to thank all the emergency services involved who tried so hard to keep him with us, you were all incredible and everyone that helped and supported at the scene.

‘We cannot thank you all enough from the devastated Pinhorne family.’

Bouquets of flowers, written tributes, and football shirts from Arsenal and Portsmouth FC have since been left at the scene of the crash.

One letter left on the footpath beside the railings read: ‘Can’t believe you’re gone. Going to miss our little chats on life and your advice.

‘When I’m next up the park, I’ll sing extra loud – Blue Army – for you.’

A card alongside a bouquet of flowers read: ‘You always had a smile when we saw you

‘So sad we won’t be seeing it again. RIP Buddy. Always remembered.’

Officers are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances of the collision.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44210128879.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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