Tributes to “larger than life” father killed in Kenilworth

Internationally renowned knee surgeon Andrew Sprowson died after his BMW hit a tree on the side of the A46 at around 5am on March 13.

The father-of-two was travelling from Kenilworth home to Glasgow to represent the University Hospital in Coventry when the fatal collision occurred.

Since his death, colleagues and friends of the “hardworking” and “bubbly” 40-year-old have paid tribute to his dedication to work and life.

Hailing the “pioneer” in orthopaedic surgery as an inspiration to young doctors and researchers, colleague, Professor Damian Griffin said: “Everyone uses the term larger than life to describe Andy.

“He was an exceptionally enthusiastic, bubbly character, who loved to work hard and make new and exciting things happen. We will miss him terribly.

“He was on his way to Glasgow to learn about an innovative way to organise clinics, and bring those ideas back.

“This was typical of his determination to make orthopaedic surgery in UHCW and at Warwick as good as it could possibly be.”

Andrew was a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at University Hospital and an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Warwick Medical School.

He had a special interest in hip and knee replacement, researching how to diagnose and treat infection in new ways and to reduce pain during surgery.

He leaves behind a widow and two young children.

Martin Underwood, director of Warwick Medical School, Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), said: “Many of us are in shock and deeply upset about Andy’s death.

“He was a very valued colleague who I very much enjoyed working with; he will be missed by everyone in CTU, particularly by those who he worked with closely. Our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time.”

On Sunday, the congregation at St Francis of Assisi church were asked to remember his widow and children in their thoughts.

Sudhesh Kumar, Dean of Medicine said Andrew’s sudden death was a devastating loss to the Warwick Medical School and hospital.

“His hard work and determination made a great impact on both organisations, colleagues and patients. He will be sorely missed by all those that knew and worked with him,”he said.

Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of UHCW, said: “Many of us are in shock and deeply upset about Andy’s death. Andy was a very charismatic character whose loss will leave a big gap within the orthopaedic department.

“For everyone who worked with, cared about and loved Andy, we can only imagine how devastating this news is.”

Andrew was well known across the country and had been selected to represent the British Orthopaedic Research Society around the world.

He had previously been appointed at the University of Warwick and the University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW).