Tributes to dad who died in Mini crash which left woman fighting for life

Today his family have paid tribute to the 24-year-old Danny Apicella from Fleming Place, Colden Common.

He died when his Mini left the road and hit a tree on the B2177 between Lower Upham and Colden Common.

In a statement they spoke about their shock and devastation.

It read: “Our worlds have fallen apart. Danny leaves behind a beautiful daughter who will be our cherished ray of sunshine through these dark days ahead.

“Danny was a colourful character and known by many. He has been taken from us far too soon and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

“We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the professionals who arrived at the scene and also to all our friends and family for all their love and messages of support at this very difficult time.

“Our lives will not be the same without Danny.

“We will always love and miss him dearly."

Danny had died at the scene but his 21-year-old woman passenger was cut from the wreckage and taken to Southampton General Hospital suffering from life threatening injuries.

She remains in a critical condition.

Floral tributes and discarded beer cans marked the spot where ther crash happened on Friday night.

Detective Sergeant Greg Willcox said: “We are aware of a red Ford Focus, a 08 plate, which was seen driving from the Colden Common area towards Bishop Waltham and believe it could have passed the incident at the time.

"We would like to speak to the occupants of the car as potential witnesses and ask them to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting Operation Biscoe or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.