Former colleagues and friends are mourning the loss of John King, a former bus driver for Southern Vectis, who tragically died alongside his wife, Lynn, after their car plunged off a cliff on the Isle of Wight. The couple, both in their sixties, were travelling in a Ford Mondeo when the incident occurred on the evening of June 6 near The Needles, well-known for its dramatic chalk sea stacks. Their two dachshunds also perished in the accident.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary have confirmed the unfortunate deaths of John, aged 67, and Lynn, aged 66, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are still ongoing. A police spokesperson stated that emergency services were alerted at 7.21 pm following the vehicle leaving the road and falling into the water below. Efforts to recover the vehicle and ascertain the precise details of the incident are being conducted, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to provide clarity on the couple's deaths.
Richard Tyldsley, general manager of Southern Vectis, expressed his condolences, stating, “We are saddened to learn of this tragic event and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.” He clarified that although John had only recently left the company after two and a half years as a network driver, his impact on the team was felt by those who knew him. This sentiment of loss resonates deeply within the community, highlighting the personal nature of such tragedies.
This accident comes in the wake of significant concern regarding road safety on the Isle of Wight, which has seen a series of serious incidents. Most notably, a collision involving a double-decker bus and two cars occurred earlier, resulting in the death of a woman in her sixties and injuries to 22 others. Such incidents underline the pressing need for comprehensive safety reviews and increased awareness among drivers, especially on the island’s challenging roadways.
As the investigation into John's and Lynn's deaths advances, police are focusing on inquiries at an address in Cowes as part of their efforts to piece together what transpired. It is a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact that sudden accidents can have on families and communities alike.
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Source: Noah Wire Services