TRIBUTES have been paid to an American PhD student killed after a road collision near Winchester on Wednesday (May 15).

Caitlin Homan, 24, died at Southampton General Hospital on Thursday (May 16) from serious injuries sustained in the collision with a blue Vauxhall Corsa in Stockbridge Road, Sparsholt.

Caitlin, of Canton, Connecticut, had been part of the psychology department at the University of Portsmouth, researching animal psychology.

Dr Sherria Hoskins, head of the psychology department, said Caitlin was a well-loved member of the team.

She said: “In the short time that Caitlin was a member of our department she made a huge impact, making many friends and impressing colleagues with her fantastic research ideas and abilities. As a department we are working hard to support each other through this devastating news.”

She added: “Our thoughts are very much with Caitlin’s family and we hope that soon we can meet with them to offer some strength in knowing that Caitlin was happy and loved during her time with us.”

She had previously received a degree in wildlife ecology and psychology from the University of Maine, USA and worked at the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Florida as an animal care specialist.

Her PhD research focused on whether dogs were able to detect deception in humans.

The incident occurred at around 1pm on Wednesday and Caitlin was airlifted to hospital by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The 17-year-old female driver, of Winchester, was interviewed by police and enquiries are continuing.

Anyone with information should call Sgt Andy Tester at Fratton Roads Policing Unit on 101 quoting Operation Pitch.