Woman arrested over death of schoolgirl and stepdad

12:40pm Tuesday 26th August 2008

By Julian Robinson

A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a horror crash on a Hampshire road.

The 73-year-old was arrested yesterday following a collision on the A326 in which an 11-year-old girl and her step dad died.

Channon Kevern and 29-year-old Terry Stubbs were both travelling on a motorbike when the tragedy unfolded near the Hardley roundabout on Saturday.

The driver of the Toyota Corolla involved in the collision, was taken to Southampton General Hospital and later discharged.

Meanwhile the family of Channon and Terry have paid a moving tribute to the pair, describing the youngster as "a special girl who lived life to the full."

Those are the words of the distraught family of 11-year-old Channon Kevern and her step-dad Terry Stubbs who both died in a bank holiday weekend tragedy.

The pair were on a motorbike when the vehicle collided with a car on a busy stretch of the A326 near Dibden Purlieu. They both died at the scene.

Today their loved ones have told how fun-loving Channon would do anything for her friends and relatives and said how much Terry would be missed.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Channon's mum Nicol said her "beautiful girl" meant the world to her.

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In a joint statement, the family said: "Channon will be sadly missed by her mother Nicol, brother Adam and grandparents Linda and Graham and all that knew her.

"She was a very special girl who would stop at nothing to live life to the full. She loved her family and her friends very much.

"She was a beautiful girl - so full of life and love. Goodnight my baby girl. Rest In Peace our darling, we love you so much.

"Terry, who died with Channon, will be missed by us all - especially his son Adam. Please Terry look after my baby girl."

At the scene of the double fatality - south of the Beaulieu Road roundabout - grief stricken friends and relatives have been leaving flowers and gifts by the roadside.

Messages paid tribute to 29-year-old roofer Terry, who was driving the Suzuki motorbike when the accident occurred.

Cuddly toys, cards and flowers were also left for Channon, who had just finished her final year at Cadland Primary and was set to join Hardley Secondary School in September.

One card, written by a pal, read: "Channon, you were my best friend and I will never forget you."

The horror of Saturday morning's crash sent shock waves through the Fawley community where the family live.

And the out-pouring of grief was followed by calls for the safety of the busy A326 - dubbed Hampshire's busiest cul-de-sac - to be re-examined.

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, one New Forest District councillor called for a dual carriageway to be introduced.

Police are still appealing for a key witness to the incident to come forward. They say a lorry driver saw the accident take place and are urging him to make contact.