Tribute paid to dead cyclist

Tributes have been paid to a Plympton man who died in a horrific crash on the A38 last week.

The accident happened at 10.53am, Friday 5th September, near Smithaleigh, approximately one mile from Lee Mill.

Involved in the collision was a lorry and a pedal cyclist.

The cyclist was treated at the scene before being conveyed by air ambulance to Derriford Hospital with serious injuries where sadly he later died.

The cyclist has been named as Chris Dennehy, 58, from Plympton. His family has paid tribute to him saying: “Chris worked at Tesco Lee Mill for 35 years and was highly valued and much liked by staff and customers. He loved cycling and rode to work daily. He was a committed Catholic who spent all of his free time helping others and raising funds for charity.

“A staunch fundraiser for HCPT, The Pilgrimage Trust, for over 30 years he raised tens of thousands of pounds to help handicapped and underprivileged children.

“The family are understandably devastated by this sudden and tragic loss. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

“The family would like to express their gratitude to the Emergency Service personnel who attended the scene of the accident and the Trauma Team at Derriford for all of their efforts to save Chris.”

The A38 Exeter bound was closed whilst investigations into the incident were carried out by officers from the Serious Collisions investigation Unit.

The lorry driver, a 42-year-old man from Plymouth, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and later released on police bail while investigations continue.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them on 101 quoting police reference 252 05914.