Tributes after man died in ‘devastating’ Oxford A40 incident

The Northern Bypass Road was closed heading westbound after Headington Roundabout from about 3am on Wednesday morning (May 27), while police dealt with a serious emergency incident.

A significant emergency response was seen on the road, with all traffic blocked from the westbound carriageway and the exit and entry slip roads at Marsh Lane until the afternoon.

READ MORE: Oxford: Man died in major police incident on A40 ring road

Thames Valley Police confirmed a man in his 20s died following reports of a fear for welfare incident, which occurred shortly after 2.45am.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Matthew Evans)

A spokesperson for the force said: “Emergency services attended but sadly a man aged in his 20s was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

“His family have been informed and are being supported.”

Eyewitness Doug Lloyd, who saw forensic experts sweeping the scene nearby after the incident, said: “It was very quickly quite obvious to me that this was a very serious incident.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of Wednesday. Picture: Doug Lloyd (Image: Contributed)

“A blue police ‘crime scene’ tent and ‘crime scene’ investigators were visible just below the bridge over the A40 at Marsh Lane.

“The police presence was significant and they were doing a great job of securing the scene and ensuring the traffic kept moving as much as possible considering the circumstances.

“Motorists were being forced to turn around on the slip road off the A40 at Marsh Lane and re-join the dual carriageway.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Matthew Evans)

“It’s devastating to hear that a young man has lost his life and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

READ MORE: A34 closure announced for junction slip roads scheme

Oxford Labour councillor Susanna Pressel also voiced her condolences.

Councillor Susanna Pressel (Image: Oxford City Council)

She said: “It’s very sad to hear about the death of this young man. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this awful time.”

Questions have been raised over whether Oxfordshire County Council should retrospectively suspend the congestion charge on Marston Ferry Road, which was active between 6am and 9am while the road was closed.

The council said it is ‘looking into’ the possibility of retrospectively suspending the morning’s charges, but has not confirmed at this stage.

Ms Pressel added: “It must have been grim for the hundreds of people stuck in traffic jams, especially if they were on their way to the hospital. I hope diversions were set up quickly.

“I think the county council should have suspended the congestion charge in Marston Ferry Road, if this is part of the diversion route.

Photos from the A40 near Headington after a fatal incident in the early hours of May 27 (Image: Cathy Sheldon)

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“However, the party that currently runs the council will probably not agree with me.

“At least that congestion charge point operates only from 6am to 9am and from 3pm to 6 pm, so many of the diverted drivers will not be affected, and it charges only £5.

“Pressure on the council to suspend the charge in emergencies such as this will be far greater later this year when the congestion charge is replaced by the traffic filters, as the charge then will be £35 if paid within 14 days.”

The John Radcliffe Hospital was contacted for comment on the impact of the road closure.