Colleagues of a former Dundee University professor have been left in shock after he died in a “tragic” crash.
Professor John Radford, 69, from Fife, died following the incident on a motorway near Cardiff in south Wales on Sunday.
Prof Radford was a member of staff in the university’s dental school for several years, having joined as a senior lecturer with honorary consultant status.
He left Dundee in September last year to take up a post as professor in restorative dentistry at Cardiff University.
Emeritus Professor Mark Hector, former dean of the university’s school of dentistry, described Prof Radford as a dedicated professional who was well-respected by his students.
He said: “John had a fine and critical intellect and promoted the importance of the wider academic community to the study of dentistry.
“His students – both undergraduate and postgraduate – respected and enjoyed working with him even though his use of philosophical argument tended to befuddle them.
“John was a sincere and kind person who was a very popular colleague.
‘Tragic death has shocked staff and students’
“His tragic death has shocked staff and students at both dental schools and our thoughts are with his wife, children and grandchildren.”
Cardiff University has also paid tribute to Prof Radford, saying he inspired generations of dentists through his teaching work.
A spokesperson for the university said: “It is with great sadness we learnt of the death of our colleague and friend, Professor John Radford.
He was dedicated to serving his NHS dental patients and did so with great care
Cardiff University
“Prof Radford was an outstanding lecturer and an expert in restorative dentistry. His innovative teaching inspired generations of dental professionals.
“He was dedicated to serving his NHS dental patients and did so with great care, expertise and compassion.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and students. They are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.”
Former students have also taken to social media to pay their own tributes.
One posted on Twitter to call Prof Radford “an inspiration to many”.
Another posted: “He was kind, generous with a fine intellect who was intrigued by the wider academic community and its relevance to clinical dentistry.
“A true friend and sorely missed.”
Following Sunday’s crash on the M4 motorway, police launched an appeal for witnesses.
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