Tributes paid to 'loving father' and 'true gent' who died in Portland crash

The cyclist has been formally named as 35-year-old Rodger Cusworth - who friends said worked as a scaffolder and was formerly in the Parachute Regiment - as an inquest opened at Bournemouth Coroner's Court yesterday (Friday, November 19).

Dorset Police responded to a collision involving Rodger's bicycle and a black Ford Focus on the A354 Portland Beach Road at 6.53am on Monday, November 15.

It is understood that he had been in collision with another cyclist prior to the collision with the car and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

'We’ve all lost a great friend as well as a top work colleague' - Tributes to beloved father

A fundraiser for Rodger Cusworth has raised thousands of pounds for his family and funeral costs. Many moving tributes have been paid to the scaffolder. Picture: Gofundme

Since his death, glowing tributes have been paid to local man Mr Cusworth, who has been described as a ‘true gent in every sense of the word'.

One spoke of it being 'a pleasure to have served with you’.

A GoFundMe page set up by friend Gerard Benfield has already raised more than £8,000.

A description on the fundraiser reads: “Rodger was a loving father to two young children and was engaged to his fiancé, he was a fellow scaffolder who we had the pleasure of working with for the last six years.

“Before scaffolding, he was also in the army working in the Para regiment.

“Anyone who knew Rodger would say he’s the nicest, caring and loving man and he was definitely taken too soon.

“We’ve all lost a great friend as well as a top work colleague.

“Any form of donations will be greatly appreciated to help his young family with funeral costs and the Christmas period coming up.

“RIP Rodger. We all miss you.”

More than 400 people have already donated to the fund, which aims to raise money for his funeral and support his family.

It can be found online at https://bit.ly/30IgS7i

Latest update from police into fatal crash investigation

Police at scene of fatal crash on Portland Beach Road on Monday, November 15. Picture by Finnbarr Webster.

Dorset Police has confirmed enquiries into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.

Police Sergeant Dave Cotterill, of the traffic unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly died.

“We understand the cyclist was involved in a collision with another cyclist shortly before this incident and would urge anyone who witnessed either collision to please come forward.

“I am also appealing to any motorists who were travelling in the area and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage."

The driver of the Ford, a woman aged in her 40s from Portland, was arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries. She was later released under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 15:56.

Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.