Tributes have been paid to a breakthrough researcher from Royston who died in a tragic two-car crash on Saturday morning.
Francois Lassailly, 40, of Honey Way, was one of two men killed when their cars collided at 1am on the A505 near Thriplow.
An appeal has been launched for witnesses as police continue to investigate the cause of the accident. The second victim was Dmitrijs Paulovs, 32, from Kidlington in Oxfordshire.
Francois – originally from France – worked at Cancer Research UK, looking into the biology of cells at the London Research Institute.
Institute director Professor Richard Treisman said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our friend and colleague.
“He was a highly skilled and effective researcher who, since joining the LRI in 2006, had worked tirelessly to develop cutting-edge new techniques for observing cells in living organisms.
“He made a huge contribution to the way we do science and his good nature, enthusiasm, and skill will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
Questions have been raised over the safety of the junction as the police investigation continues.
Thriplow Parish Council chairman Jane Gough said: “The A505 is a particularly bad road at night.
“I don’t know how the tragic accident happened but the parish council as a whole has been trying to get the junction better lit and marked out for at least five years.
“It’s very hard to see the road markings along the stretch of the A505 which makes it really dangerous. Maybe there aren’t the funds to do it.
“It’s a very sad thing to happen and we will be taking it up with our county councillor to explore what can be done.”
A spokesman for Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this tragic accident.
“A police investigation is ongoing and it would be wrong for us to comment on any cause of the accident. Until that is complete, we will, with the police, look at those findings and see if anything can be done.”
In the last six years, there have been two collisions resulting in injury at the junction where the two men were killed.
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about the collision.
Sgt Paul Tanner said: “I would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash, or either vehicle in the moments leading up to the incident.”
Anyone with information should contact Sgt Tanner at Cambs police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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