Daily Echo
·Aug 2026
Retired University of Southampton professor died after crash
Retired University of Southampton emeritus chemistry professor Derek Pletcher, 82, died at Southampton General Hospital on July 11, 2025, from complications following a June 1 road crash in Romsey. The collision caused multiple broken ribs, after which his worsening Parkinson's disease, hospital treatment, sepsis and COVID-19 contributed to pneumonia, respiratory failure and his death. Winchester assistant coroner Henry Charles concluded that Pletcher died as a consequence of injuries sustained in the crash. His son remembered him as a supportive professor, keen cricketer, golfer, football fan and gardener.