Tribute to talented engineer who died in crash

Dean McCormack loved spending time in the countryside with his partner, his family said

A pedestrian who died in a crash was a talented engineer and an amazing artist, his family have said.

The collision, involving two cars, happened near Compton Abbas, north Dorset, on 6 June.

Dean McCormack, who was on foot, died at the scene. In a tribute, his partner and family said they were "heartbroken beyond belief".

Two men arrested on suspicion of driving offences have been released while inquiries continue.

Mr McCormack, 67, from Warminster, Wiltshire, was described as a "a quiet, gentle, loving person who loved nothing more than spending time in the countryside with his partner by his side, visiting places that were off the beaten track".

The family statement said: "Dean was a very talented engineer who followed the same trade as his grandfather and great-grandfather, working in the water industry for many years until his final day.

"A passion for nice cars and motorbikes remained with him throughout his life, spending time meticulously rebuilding older bikes.

"He was an amazing artist, producing many stunning pictures.

"He was a person who could put his hand to many crafts, particularly anything to do with wood."

The crash, involving a silver Audi TT Quattro and a grey BMW 218i, happened at about 19:45 BST.

The arrested men, a 19-year-old man from Shaftesbury and a man aged in his 20s from Mere in Wiltshire, have been released under investigation.

A passenger from the Audi – a man aged in his 20s – was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.

Dorset Police urged any witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward.