Son of former police and crime commissioner who led Sarah Payne murder probe died after falling out of a moving car – as man, 45, is under police investigation for ‘driving offence’
- Benjamin Underhill, son of Martyn Underhill, suffered a severe head injury
The son of a former police and crime commissioner has died after falling out of a moving car in circumstances that triggered a police investigation, it has been revealed.
Benjamin Underhill suffered a severe head injury after ‘exiting a moving car’ on Holt Road in the village of Mannington in Dorset.
Following the incident involving a black Mazda 3, the 39-year-old father-of-one was airlifted to Southampton Hospital on August 8, but died of his injuries three days later.
His father, Martyn Underhill MBE led the murder investigation into Sarah Payne and became the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, described him as a ‘loving son and loving father to Harvey’.
A 45-year-old man was originally arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and inflicting grievous bodily harm. He was later released without charge in relation to the GBH charge but remains under police investigation in relation to the driving offence.
Benjamin Underhill (pictured), 39, suffered a severe head injury after ‘exiting a moving car’ on Holt Road in the village of Mannington in Dorset
His father Martyn Uderhill MBE – a former Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset – described Benjamin as a ‘loving son and loving father to Harvey’
Inspector Craig Tatton, of Dorset Police, said: ‘After our initial investigation, we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the male passenger exiting the vehicle and our enquiries are continuing into the driving offence.’
At the opening of Mr Underhill’s inquest in Bournemouth, coroner’s assistant Matt Cove said: ‘On August 8, 2023, police and ambulance were called to reports of an unresponsive male in Wimborne.
‘Mr Underhill was taken to Southampton Hospital and scans showed a severe head injury which was deemed unsurvivable.
‘He sadly died on August 11.’
A post mortem examination carried out by Dr Jeremy Whittles at Southampton Hospital gave a medical cause of death as a severe traumatic head injury.
In paying tribute to his son, Mr Underhill said: ‘Ben was a loving son and a loving father to Harvey. He will be sorely missed.
‘The family have drawn strength from the fact his donated organs have helped other needy people.’
Mr Underhill, 65, retired from policing in 2009 after 30 years’ service. He spent most of his career as a senior detective with Sussex Police.
Martyn Uderhill MBE (right) led the murder investigation into Sarah Payne and became the PCC for Dorset. Earlier this month his son, 39, died after ‘exiting a moving car’
In 2000 he led the investigation into the disappearance and murder of seven-year-old Sarah Payne, helping to secure the conviction of killer Roy Whiting.
He went on to help establish Sarah’s Law, which allows parents controlled access to the sex offender register, so they know if a child sex offender lives in their area.
The Underhill family is asking for charitable donations to be made to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, which flew him to Southampton General Hospital after the accident.
The inquest has been adjourned until April next year.
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