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Wayne Hodder loses fight for life after fall from car

8:26am Wednesday 25th November 2009 in


TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular amateur footballer who died last night after falling from a moving car.

As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo, Wayne Hodder was left with serious head injuries following the incident in the early hours of Saturday.

It is understood he was being driven home by his girlfriend after a night celebrating a friend’s birthday in Southampton’s Bedford Place when he fell out of the car.

Last night his brother Paul paid tribute to the 31-year-old father of one from Redbridge who passed away at Southampton General Hospital.

Paul said his brother, who made deliveries for Carlsberg and Tetley, was extremely popular and particularly well known in Southampton’s grassroots football scene.

He said: “He was always joking about and really bubbly. He had so many friends it’s unbelievable. Everybody loved him. He would do anything for anyone.”

He added: “Our thanks go to all the doctors and medical staff who did the best they could.”

Wayne played football for the Spartans, a senior premier division side in the Drew Smith Saturday league, and was a player and referee at the Goals five-a-side centre in Southampton.

Featured in the Daily Echo last week, teammates jokingly described Wayne, a brewery delivery man, as a “Carlsberg drayman who has swallowed more barrels than he’s lifted”.

Spartans boss Matt Dunford, a long-time friend, said: “I’m absolutely devastated. He’s always been Mr Invincible. He had more football injuries than you can imagine and always came back.”

He added: “He was a real social animal and was well liked by everyone he came into contact with. For us he was the life and soul of the dressing room. A real joker. There aren’t many teams that have got a Hodder. He’s legendary.”

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen what happened.

Wayne was a back seat passenger in a green Vauxhall Astra travelling along Stoneham Way from Eastleigh towards junction five of the M27 when he fell at about 12.30am. Police said the car was driven by a 39-year-old woman from Freemantle.

She was not arrested and is being treated as a witness.

At least one car stopped but left the scene before officers arrived.

Anyone with information can contact Operation Equity at Totton Roads Policing Unit on 101 or use the anonymous Crimestoppers charity line on 0800 555 111.

Wayne’s family have urged donations to the Hampshire BASICS charity to help pay for more equipment and training. Log onto basicshampshire.org.uk for details.

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Comments(29)

Day Dreamer says...
8:53am Wed 25 Nov 09

Very tragic. RIP.

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JC Town says...
8:57am Wed 25 Nov 09

I did not know Wayne apart from through playing against him countless times on Sat afternoons & Sunday mornings, very very sad and my thoughts are with his family and team mates. RIP

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DWILLIAMS988 says...
9:55am Wed 25 Nov 09

Absolutly gutted, he really was a legend, the dressing room wont be the same without him.
Our thoughts our with the Hodder's family at this tragic time. R.I.P big WH.

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Jim Oakes says...
10:49am Wed 25 Nov 09

Going to miss you Hodder you was the best the person that made everyone laugh. I have only known you for 4 years but they where great years mate you always had a smile on your face even when you was sent off at goals. Its not going to be the same without you mate. My thoughts go out to your family and so many friends that loved you R.I.P. Hodder xx

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sjaback says...
10:50am Wed 25 Nov 09

mate heaven is now a funnier place now your there.

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blackspidey10 says...
11:40am Wed 25 Nov 09

I worked with wayne a few years ago at carlsberg , a lovely chap never a dull moment . my love and thoughts go to his family at this sad time .

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marchwoodresident says...
12:02pm Wed 25 Nov 09

It is very sad when people lose their lives undoubtedly, and condolences to his family.
Isnt it interesting though how some are put on a pedastal once they have departed that would otherwise not have been if they were still around?

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Ken Hutchinson says...
12:34pm Wed 25 Nov 09

marchwoodresident wrote:
It is very sad when people lose their lives undoubtedly, and condolences to his family. Isnt it interesting though how some are put on a pedastal once they have departed that would otherwise not have been if they were still around?
Very true. If this particular chap was aware of the extent to which he was liked by so many,perhaps he may have thought twice about throwing himself from a moving car?

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emma b says...
1:27pm Wed 25 Nov 09

those comments are not very good at this sad time wayne has always been on a pedastal and loved by many .so it would be nice if you kept your thoughts to yourself thankyou

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SaintAsh1964 says...
1:30pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Ken Hutchinson wrote:
marchwoodresident wrote: It is very sad when people lose their lives undoubtedly, and condolences to his family. Isnt it interesting though how some are put on a pedastal once they have departed that would otherwise not have been if they were still around?
Very true. If this particular chap was aware of the extent to which he was liked by so many,perhaps he may have thought twice about throwing himself from a moving car?
No one is putting Wayne on a pedastal, if you read the post's, he was just an ordinary bloke, who worked hard, and enjoyed life, and loved his son, a beer and his football.
I'm guessing that he didn't throw himself out of the car just for the hell of it.
What an insensitive post Ken.

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Kjane says...
1:32pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Im a bit confused as to how you can fall out of a car? Did he do it on purpose or just a drunken joke that ended tragically.
In what ever case this is very sad and my thoughts go to his family and friends. RIP

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Hants Hammy says...
1:48pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Not sure we should be asking who what and why, but just sending our condolences and thoughts to the family especially his little son who will now see christmas in without his dad, so please bear that tought in mind, I have kids myself and it does not bear thinking about.

God Bless Wayne.

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Mouse01 says...
2:06pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Life was never dull when you were around, you always knew how to make a party start, its gonna take a while to get over the loss of a great friend. Who's gonna take the micky out of us now. I want to thank you for being my friend and cheering me up when i was down. I want to send my condolences to your little boy and your the rest of your family, the pain for them must be unbearable. Next time i look up into the night sky and see the brightest star i will know that it is you looking down on us. Miss you Hodder xxx TB xxx

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southampton_till_i_die09 says...
4:50pm Wed 25 Nov 09

the only decent ref down at goals has gone.. he will definately be missed by many.

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Sir Ad E Noid says...
4:51pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Typical inane drivel from Ken Hutchinson and Marchwoodresident. The man has just passed away and you conduct the inquest. Have some respect and wait for the offical version of events, and not make up your own or quote from this or any other paper. Pathetic.

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Redondo Saint says...
5:03pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Very sad news indeed for his family and friends.

He was obviously a great character.

Is there really any need for some posters to comment about such sensitive subjects in such insensitive ways? Show some humanity!

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Ken Hutchinson says...
5:17pm Wed 25 Nov 09

It is very sad indeed, however, some individuals need to realise that this is a Comments section and not a Condolence section.

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Sir Ad E Noid says...
5:30pm Wed 25 Nov 09

In this case I think a condolence section is OK, yes it is a comments section, under the circumstances.......
..........!

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Iain5615 says...
6:03pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Rest in peace Wayne you were a great guy to have around and I would just like to say that it was a pleasure to have known you and I will always remember the laughter that you provided.

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darylhorsfall says...
6:27pm Wed 25 Nov 09

marchwoodresident wrote:
It is very sad when people lose their lives undoubtedly, and condolences to his family. Isnt it interesting though how some are put on a pedastal once they have departed that would otherwise not have been if they were still around?
What a sad excuse for a person you must be making comments on something you obviously know nothing about. R.I.P Hodder

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parkiey says...
6:29pm Wed 25 Nov 09

tragic loss of a great lad.
r.i.p hod

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carlsbergstocky says...
6:32pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Mate cant find the words right now as are customers used to say we should have been married when we were together on the drays! a right comedian and good friend never forget you bud miss you fella god bless x


Ps up yours ken!!!!!muppet


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benkirk78 says...
6:48pm Wed 25 Nov 09

marchwoodresident wrote:
It is very sad when people lose their lives undoubtedly, and condolences to his family. Isnt it interesting though how some are put on a pedastal once they have departed that would otherwise not have been if they were still around?
I think you'll find he was on a pedastal when e was with us hence the reason everyone is saying these nice things about Wayne. He was looked up to as he was genuine and unique as a great human being. Hodder, only saw you a few times in the last few years but never have and never will forget your humour and zest. Top guy. Rest in peace friend.
Ben P.

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BANGERPRINCESS190 says...
9:11pm Wed 25 Nov 09

wayne God wanted a football match And 2 play it up in heaven But first he needed players And select his first eleven.Georgie Best, big Brian Labone The legend Dixie Dean Alan Ball and Bobby Moore All made it in the team.He needed one more player Someone who would be quick From up above he looked down And saw wayne there in his kit.So wayne was taken up above God took him by the hand 2 play the game he loved so much !

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dibsy1984 says...
9:57pm Wed 25 Nov 09

didn't know him personally but he refereed a few times for me a few times at GOALS, (a few of the other refs cud learn a thing or two from him, VINNY!) seemed like a nice guy that knew his football and was liked around the place
R.I.P Big man

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King Mush says...
10:57pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Once again - such crass inconsiderate comments on such a tragic story in amongst the tributes.


I really wish that some posters would just stop and think before clicking on 'submit'


Human nature I guess. Sad

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Jim Oakes says...
11:24pm Wed 25 Nov 09

Hodder I was at goals tonight before each game mate i did a minute silence for you mate but i just wish it was you who was blowing that whistle and not me. Hodder you are a top top man one of a kind loved by so many love you hodder xxx R.I.P

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Southerner & proud says...
3:46pm Thu 26 Nov 09

Cracking bloke, could wind you up and have you split your sides laughing all in the same sentence.
Life and soul of many a party, thoughts go to Waynes family, he will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace mate.

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spartan1969 says...
7:42pm Thu 26 Nov 09

Hello Hods it's Matt here. I'm missing you fella and finding all this very difficult to deal with. Some contributors on here should be banned from commenting again, others show how much people care for you mate. I simply cannot believe you've gone. You will be sorely missed. Maybe we'll get a game in upstairs one day ?! Love ya fella.

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