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Family's grief for British holiday doctors killed in Harley Davidson horror smash in Florida
Last updated at 01:52am on 04.04.08The family and colleagues of two eminent doctors who were killed when a truck hit their Harley Davidson during a holiday in Florida spoke today of their devastation.
Leading heart surgeon Dr Walter Rhoden, 47, and his GP wife Dr Kathryn Phipps, 45, were killed on a popular biker route nine miles from Florida's Daytona Beach.
The couple, both motor enthusiasts, were on holiday with their three children, Jamie, Emily and Oliver, when a Nissan Frontier pulled across their pathway on Ocean Shore Boulevard in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
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Heart surgeon Walter Rhoden brought innovative life-saving technology to his hospital
It is believed Dr Rhoden swerved to avoid the car, but the 2008 Harley Davidson dropped on its right side, slid along, and hit the right-hand side of the truck.
The couple, from Hoyland, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire, were pronounced dead at the scene.
They were on holiday with their three teenage children, Jamie, Emily and Olivia, aged between 12 and 17, who are understood to have been at the family timeshare in Orange Lake Resort, Orlando, at the time of the crash.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Phipps' father, Mike Phipps, said today the pair were "exceptional doctors and fantastic parents".
"We've all been devastated by the news of this tragic accident," he said.
"Information from Florida is very sketchy at the moment but what we understand is that a vehicle turned into the path of the motorcycle that Kathryn and Walter were riding."
'Full of life': GP Kathy Phipps was also killed in the accident with her husband
Dr Rhoden and his wife were both wearing helmets when they were flung from their bike at 1.30pm on Sunday.
Florida Highway Patrol officers said the driver of the Nissan truck, 25-year-old Daniel Couse Jr, was trying to turn into a driveway when he drove into their path.
No charges have been filed against Mr Couse, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, but the investigation is ongoing.
Mr Phipps described his daughter, who worked as a GP at Woodgrove Surgery in Wath Upon Dearne, as "a one off - flamboyant, engaging and patients loved her".
He added: "Kathy was a superb mother, an exceptional colleague, a talented and loving daughter and sister to Maureen.
"They leave behind three teenage children and our main concern now is for their welfare and wellbeing."
Colleagues and friends of Dr Rhoden, a consultant cardiologist who had worked at Barnsley District Hospital for 16 years, said his death was a "shocking blow".
A statement from Barnsley Hospital NHS Trust said: "Dr Walter Rhoden was a highly respected doctor and a much loved colleague.
"His tragic and untimely death is a shocking blow to his colleagues and huge loss to the people of Barnsley.
"He made such a difference and touched so many people's lives as well as being an inspirational mentor."
Fellow heart specialist Dr Basil Saeed said Dr Rhoden - whose eldest son is believed to have a congenital heart condition - had been particularly proud of his introduction of an EECP (enhanced external counter-current pulsation) machine to the department.
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Dream machine: Dr Rhoden bought his Harley Davidson motorbike from the proceeds of his sports car
The innovative technology, nicknamed "squeezy pants", consists of a pair of compressive trousers - similar to blood pressure cuffs - which inflate and deflate in time with the patient's heartbeat to encourage blood flow and help arteries grow.
Dr David Bullimore, clinical director at Barnsley General Hospital and friend of the couple, said both doctors would be sorely missed.
"Both had terrific charisma and enthusiasm for work, play and family life," he said.
"We mourn them as lost friends, as they will be mourned and missed in their local community in which they played such an active role.
"Our sympathy goes out to their three children, who they so adored, and who formed such a major part of their lives."
Earlier, a hospital spokesman had said: "He was an absolutely fabulous man. Many of his colleagues are utterly speechless at the news."
Dr Rhoden's colleagues and former students praised him yesterday for his dry sense of humour, "wildly-coloured hair, infectious enthusiasm and ability to shop".
Dr Mark Atkin, a senior partner at Valley Medical Centre, Sheffield, where Dr Rhoden ran a cardiology clinic for ten years, said: "Walter was very old-fashioned in that if somebody had a problem, he would pursue it until the very end, and make sure it would get completed. He cared."
Dr Atkin said that the couple would be remembered for their outgoing personalities, adding: "They were larger than life, and the manner in which they died in a way shows how they loved life to the full."
Dr Phipps' colleagues at her GP surgery in Wath described her death as not only a loss for her patients but for the wider community in Barnsley.
She had helped to train doctors in South Yorkshire, and was involved in a number of different health initiatives including an adolescent task group.
Doctors Martin Sics, Andrew Mellor and Heather Smith said in a statement: "Kathy was a truly extraordinary and unique woman who worked so hard and lived every moment of her life to the full.
"We are grateful to have known her and will miss her so much."
Social worker Louise Hobson, Dr Phipps's patient for more than 10 years, said: "She was a really charismatic woman, always full of life and very caring. She was an extremely good doctor."
The couple's children are believed to have flown back to England on Monday, and are being cared for by members of their extended family and their long-term nanny.
Dr Phipps' father said the family was trying to come to terms with the shock of what had happened and asked for time to grieve in private.
It is understood Dr Rhoden sold his TVR sports car about a year ago to buy himself the Harley-Davidson.
Dr Phipps, who was riding pillion passenger, had been planning to get her own motorcycle licence on their return.
Reader views (10)
To you the children of Walter and Kathryn,
James, Emily and Olivier we know that your parents loved and cherished you. Please accept our deepest sympathy and our prayers.
To the parents of Walter and Kathryn,
We can only say "We are so sorry."
- Mary & Jim Mills, Windsor Canada
Dr Rhoden was a great cardiologist who was absolutely fantastic when my husband was ill & will be missed by a great many people. He was a compassionate man with a sense of humour who talked with you as an equal.
As a hospital governor I'm sure my fellow governors will join me in sending deep felt condolences to Walter & Kathy's children & their families. I hope they will take some comfort in knowing that Kathy & Walter will always be remembered for improving so many peoples lives & making people laugh.
In time peace will be found & joys will be remembered & your burden will not feel so great, until that time may God bless you all.
- Lesley & Stuart Cotton, Barnsley South Yorks
Walter Rhoden brought me back in 1999 when many would have given up.
A man who saved countless lives like he did, surely deserved a bit more himself.
Perhaps the only comfort his children can have is that he gave life to so many like me.
My prayers are with them.
- Kev Hamilton, Barnsley, England
Dr Phipps was my GP since starting at Darfield surgery. I am going to miss her I went in feeling ill but came out feeling better what a great doctor always smiling pleasant and cheerful she will be greatly missed. My heart goes out too her family and children rest in peace god will care for you like you cared for us.
- Jayne Hinchliffe, barnsley
Dr Rhoden took the misery out of illness and being in hospital. His sense of humour wasn't welcomed by all, but it certainly made me feel better. On the day I was admitted to hospital with a heart attack, he walked into the room and told me, "According to that monitor, you died half an hour ago." Then he asked me if I'd seen Saint Peter this morning.
After being on the waiting list for a cardiogram for fourteen months, he said to me, "Well, considering you've turned up, we might as well do it now."
I never knew his wife, but I do know this is a great loss to the Barnsley area; clearly two wonderful people. Thank You God for blessing us with them.
- Bill Ross, Barnsley South Yorks
What can you say but thank you for his short life. I m here because he came into mine 3 years ago when I had my heart attack.
- Billy Wilson, Barnsley, England
Having driven all over the US, I can tell you the drivers in Florida are the worst.
The traffic in the big cities in the US because of the number of drivers on the roads and the number without a valid permit (yes we have an immigration problem too) make driving dangerous.
Please never try to use a motorcycle in urban US. It is far too dangerous.
- Ray, Gurnee, Illinois USA
I am extremely sorry for what's happened to Dr Rhoden and his family. This gentleman and is colleagues helped me to live a longer and better life. My thoughts are with all that loved him ,yours most greatfull Neil Haigh.
- Neil Haigh, barnsley south yorkshire
Technology brings the worlds' tragedies into our homes every day and we seem to become immune to these losses as they are the faces of those that are unknown to us. Sunday the sound of metal on metal rang out coming from the street that I have been living on for the past year as a temporary resident while working in the Ormond Beach, FL area. It was my last Sunday here as I am scheduled to return to my home this Friday. As I looked down and saw what had just occurred an extreme feeling of loss over whelmed me. This feeling of loss has remained with me, but I couldn't understand why. I didn't know them; I didn't know what they looked like or where they came from; I didn't know that they had children or that they had dedicated their lives to helping others. I now know them and have a better understanding of why I have felt as I do. Even though they are gone, their goodness remains on Earth in their children, friends, colleagues and all those they have helped. Their goodness was present even after death and this is what I have been feeling. I too morn the loss of what were strangers, but are now friends that I will carry as a memory. I am grateful to those who have now shared with me the memory of two extraordinary people. I was not fortunate to know them in life, but will remember them always.
- Lee Sutton, Fort Lauderdale FL USA
Kathy was a very active and dynamic member of the Royal College of GPs Adolescent Task Group and we're all shocked and saddened by her sudden death. Kathy was passionate about her work. As well as being a busy GP, she was very committed to improving the health of young people and training other doctors. She will be sadly missed by all those who worked with her. Our condolences go to her family.
- Rcgp Adolescent Task Group, London, UK
