Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of a man who died after being hit by a car in Wigan. Police and paramedics were called to reports of a collision on Pembroke Road, in Marsh Green, shortly before 6am on Thursday (January 9).
The pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene, has now been named in tributes by friends and colleagues as Darryl Tomlinson, also known as Daz. He was described as an ‘easy going lad’ who ‘always had time for anybody’, and having a ‘heart of gold’.
Wigan Town FC shared a tribute to Daz, who played for the club, online. It reads: “This morning [Thursday] we had the devastating news that one of our founder open-age players Daz ‘T’ Tomlinson aka Shaggy, has passed away in an accident.
“This is a such a tragedy and shocked many of us. Daz was part of our 1st open-age team and along with a few others is the reason we still have a team going today.
“He was an easy going lad who always had time for anybody and loved his football to the core. Even though he wasn’t now playing he was still a regular on the side lines over the years.
“It really is such a tragedy and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.” Friends of Daz, who was aged in his 30s, have also paid tribute on social media.
One pal posted: “R.I.P Daz Tomlinson mate. What a top lad you was. You will be sadly missed by many. Thoughts are with family at this sad time. R.I.P up there mate.”
Another tribute, shared publicly, read: “Rest in peace Daz top lad always had a smile on his face.” In another post, shared by a neighbour, they said the street would ‘never be the same again’ after his death.
“Our street will never be same again with out seein u stood in porch in your blue dressing gown and your slippers in morning,” they penned. “You was one of the nicest lads I’ve ever met absolutely heartbroken. God really does only take the best away from us.”
Emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian at 5.58am on Thursday. The road was closed off and an evidence tent was put in place at the scene.
Pembroke Road, off Kitt Green Road, Wigan
(Image: Google Maps)
A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries, Greater Manchester Police confirmed this morning (Friday).
Nearby Kitt Green Road was also closed to traffic for a period following the incident, with motorists and buses diverted away from the scene amid investigations. Witnesses are now being urged to come forward.
A GMP spokesperson said: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information after a fatal road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle on Pembroke Road in Wigan. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, the pedestrian, a man in his 30s passed away at the scene.
“A woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed pending further enquiries. Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage, from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 or using LiveChat online, quoting log number 410 of January 9, 2025. Alternatively, details can be shared to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.