Ann and Paul Goodrich
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Son whose parents died in crash remains in hospital
By Stephen LloydJanuary 07, 2013
A SON whose parents died in a car crash near Hook on Christmas Day could be in hospital for up to three weeks.
Darren Goodrich, 29, from Farnborough, was seriously injured when the Volkswagen Golf he was driving went off the B3349 Odiham Road and crashed into trees at Heckfield Heath.
His parents, Ann Mary Goodrich, 57, and 56-year-old Paul John Goodrich, were pronounced dead at the scene.
An inquest into their deaths was opened last Monday (December 31), and North East Hampshire coroner’s officer David Richards said it was adjourned until February 6 to Alton Magistrates’ Court, when it will be reviewed.
“This is in order to allow the police sufficient time to conclude their inquiries as the driver of the vehicle is likely to be in hospital for a further three weeks,” he added.
A family statement described the Church Crookham couple, who used to live in Aldershot, as “much loved parents” who would be “greatly missed”.
“Ann and Paul Goodrich were on their way to spend Christmas Day with their son Darren, daughter Hannah and her family, when the tragic, fatal accident occurred,” it added.
“A close-knit family, they were looking forward to also enjoying the day with their grandson, Daniel, aged two."
Police were called to the scene of the accident at 10.05am on Christmas morning when a member of the public reported that a car had gone off the road and collided with trees.
Darren Goodrich received medical attention at the scene before being taken to hospital, where he remains with serious injuries but which are not thought to be life-threatening.
Sections of the B3011 and the B3349 were closed for several hours while a police investigation took place.
The family thanked the emergency services and hospital staff for their “compassionate care and attention”, adding: “We are absolutely devastated and request to be left in peace, to grieve in private, at this sad time.”
Hampshire Constabulary’s road death investigation team (RDIT) is appealing for witnesses to the crash close to Wellington Country Park.
Sergeant Andy Lynch said: “We believe only one vehicle was involved in the collision, but we need to confirm the last known movements of the silver Volkswagen Golf.”
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Hampshire’s RDIT at Eastleigh police station on 101, quoting Operation Dhole.
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