A man has been arrested after a former Team GB Olympian died in a horror crash with a truck outside a garden centre.
Now his heartbroken family have paid tribute to Anthony Brian Hebditch, 75, who was killed outside the Titchfield garden centre, in Fareham, near Portsmouth, on November 1.
The former athlete proudly represented Great Britain in skeet shooting at the 1976 Olympic Games, reports The Sun.
The tribute to Brian from his grief-stricken family was released by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary which is appealing for witnesses to the horror smash.
They 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.”
The family added that as well as a dad Brian was a much-loved grandfather and they’ve been left devastated by his death.
They added: “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.”
The collision took place outside a garden centre in Mill Lane at roughly 11.10am.
A 30-year-old man, from Southampton, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and released while inquiries continue.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses – or drivers with dashcam footage – to come forward following the incident.
The force added: “Anyone who witnessed the incident should call 101, quoting the reference 44230446638.”
“People can also submit reports online via the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website.”
