Family pays tribute to 'kind and loved' mum killed by falling tree

A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute following the death of a mother killed when a tree fell on her car on a main road near Ringwood as strong winds battered the area.

Flora Walsh (69) from Verwood was pronounced dead at the scene after paramedics and police responded to the incident on the B3081 Verwood Road between the Alderholt junction and the A31.

As reported by the A&T, Mrs Walsh had been driving a grey Ford B-Max along the road when the tree came down on it at around 8.40am on Saturday.

Describing her as “popular” and “kind”, Mrs Walsh’s family paid tribute to their loved one in a statement released through Dorset Police.

“We are devastated to announce that our wonderful mum Flora, died on Saturday morning when a tree fell on her car,” they said.

“We are in shock and utterly heartbroken.

“Knowing what a popular, kind and loved woman she was, is such a comfort but we would appreciate privacy whilst we try to process what’s happened and deal with our grief. Thank you.”

In the immediate aftermath of the tragic incident, the road was closed for several hours as officers launched an investigation.

People are being urged to come forward if they can help piece together the circumstances as the enquiries continue.

Sgt Lee Savage, of the Dorset traffic unit, said: “We have specially-trained officers supporting the family at this difficult time.

“To assist with my investigation I am appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area at the relevant time and either witnessed the collision or captured any of the incident on dash cam to please contact Dorset Police.”

Anyone with information should contact the force on 101, quoting incident reference number 2:144, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.