Family’s tribute to ‘kind and caring’ Dominic Davis-Smith from Holbury following his death in car crash on Normandy Way in Marchwood

THE grieving family of a man killed when a car ploughed into a tree off a main road at Marchwood have paid tribute to a “heart and soul of the party”.

Emergency crews rushed to the collision involving a blue Ford KA, which happened on Normandy Way just before 11.30pm on Friday 16th August.

However, despite their efforts, Dominic Davis-Smith (30) from Holbury, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Having suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries, the driver, an 18-year-old woman from Totton, was taken by ambulance to hospital. She has since been discharged.

Firefighters from Redbridge also attended.

Specialist police officers have been supporting Dominic’s family, who released a statement honouring their “kind and caring” loved one.

"Dominic was a lovely caring son, brother and grandson,” they said.

“He did not have the easiest start to life, but he showed great strength and determination which enabled him to live life to the max.

"He brought happiness and light into the lives of everyone he met, and impacted so many lives in a positive way.

"He will be remembered for his laughter and great banter, and could be described as Peter Pan, someone who did not take life too seriously.”

The statement continued: “Some will remember him as the heart and soul of the party, always living for the moment, and others would know him as a smiler, a truly fantastic bloke.

"Dominic also had another amazing side to him; he was a kind and caring person who always put his family and friends first.

"The family wish to send their heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support from his many friends and family, both near and far.

"He will be greatly missed by all and forever in our hearts."

An inquest opened at Winchester Coroners’ Court heard the preliminary cause of Dominic’s death was multiple injuries.

Adjourned, a full hearing is set to take place at the same court on 19th August 2025.

Officers investigating the collision are urging people to come forward if they saw it or have relevant dash cam footage.

Those with information should contact the force online at hampshire.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting reference 44240352481.