AN internationally renowned Southampton spinal surgeon has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

Nick Boeree, a consultant at Southampton General Hospital and Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital, tragically died following a head-on collision with a lorry in the New Forest.

The married dad-of-three, who was riding his Yamaha FJR motorcycle, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Colleagues at both hospitals were today struggling to come to terms with the news and have paid tribute to the “highly respected” surgeon, who had saved and improved the lives of many.

Mark Hackett, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHSFT), said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at this tragic news and I speak on behalf of everyone at UHSFT in passing my thoughts and sympathies to Nick’s family at what is a very traumatic time.”

He added that support would be available for staff who worked with Mr Boeree during this “extremely difficult” time.

As well as his work in Southampton Mr Boeree was the lead consultant at the Spine Clinic based at Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital in Chandler’s Ford, leading a team of spinal specialists to manage and investigate a range of spinal disorders.

He trained in medicine at The Royal London Hospital and underwent his orthopaedic training at Bristol and Southampton. He also spent time training at some of the world’s leading spinal centres in the United States.

His professional achievements include being the principal developer of an implant now widely used around the world in spinal surgery.

Outside of his work Mr Boeree, who lives in Bramshaw, was passionate about motorcycles and enjoyed astronomy.

Simon Shepherd, director of Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital, added: “The team at the Nuffield Health Wessex Hospital were deeply saddened to hear the news of Mr Nick Boeree’s sudden death.

“He was a highly respected surgeon and colleague and he will be really missed.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.