Dad-of-five ex-sailor killed in motorway crash is named

| Freelance News Reporter Published November 1, 2026 3:37pm Updated November 1, 2026 3:38pm Richard Skilton died after his Triumph motorcycle was involved in a collision on the M27 (Picture: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary) An ex-Royal Navy sailor killed in a crash on the M27 as been named as ‘loving’ father-of-five. Richard Skilton was pronounced dead on the motorway in Hampshire after his black and white Triumph motorbike was involved in a collision on the morning of October 16. Mr Skilton, 66, was a ‘devoted husband, loving father-of-five and proud grandfather-of-ten’, his family said in a tribute. The Royal Navy veteran was also a ‘passionate enthusiast’ of motorcycling, they added. In the statement, his relatives said he had an eleventh grandchild on the way ‘that he will unfortunately never get to meet’. Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. They continued: ‘He completed a full career in the Royal Navy, dedicating many years of his life to serving his country. ‘A passionate motorcycle enthusiast, Richard will be remembered for his love of family, his naval service and the memories he leaves behind. ‘He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him, and his memory will live on with love, pride and respect.’ The motorway was closed for hours between junctions 9 and 12 just outside Portsmouth as emergency services responded to the incident at around 6.39am. A police investigation has been launched into the crash. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Five teens seriously hurt in stabbing after ‘strangers’ storm a Halloween party Arrow MORE: Pub-goer fumes after he claims he was barred from Wetherspoon for wearing poppy Arrow MORE: Map shows areas of UK where people are most likely to die before 60 News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.