We have said this before: The team here at Love Andover HQ are only human – and we feel a sense of loss in times of tragedy.

Mostly we write nice stuff about our town. Occasionally, we feel impelled to write stories that challenge the idiocy of some of the people who are elected to be ‘in charge’.

Infrequently however, we simply must write stories that affect families and friends who have lost their loved ones. Actual people who live, work and play here in Andover.

It becomes personal, emotional.

We have to read (but not necessarily publish) details of what has happened to real person; a real person with a mother, a father, family and friends.

We find these stories hard to write.

The untimely and unnecessary death of James Stephen Smith in the ‘collision’ just before Christmas has really affected us. We simply cannot imagine the pain, agony and hurt that his family are feeling.

Each and every one of us here have been affected by the news that James – just 38 years old – was taken early.

James was pronounced dead after a ‘collision’ – and we use that phrase with the correct legal connotations – with a Zircon-blue Jaguar car on Charlton Road just before 7:00pm on the day before Christmas eve.

Following the ‘collision’, two people were arrested on December 30th.

This ‘collision’ was well-publicised. The search for the driver and any possible passenger was also well publicised.

Please be aware that there are lots of stories we just refuse to publicise, largely because they may only add to the heartache and trauma that family members are already suffering. In this instance, we want to say that our collective thoughts and condolences are with James’ family, friends and colleagues.

James’ family paid tribute to him today saying, “A father, son, brother, uncle and a friend. You will be sadly missed by all that truly knew you. A kind, caring, sensitive and beautiful boy. We will love you forever and always.”

We do not believe that everything is ‘cut and dry’ and the Police must be absolutely sure of their actions. As officers still pick through the minutiae of what happened, when and how… today they continue to request information, “Enquiries into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing”.

Police remain keen to speak with anyone who witnessed the ‘collision’.

If you can help:

CALL 101 (reference number 44190460421.

Alternatively, CALL Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

RIP James.