A former mayor died after being hit by a car while crossing the road and suffering head injuries. An inquest was opened at Swansea’s Guildhall on Wednesday into the death of Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, from Baglan, who was involved in a road traffic collision at 5.45pm on Saturday, December 7.
The hearing was told how Mr Crowley, an 86-year-old retired former Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council leader, was crossing the road at Water Street in Port Talbot when he was struck by a Skoda Fabia. The driver stopped and remained at the scene and witnesses went to the pensioner’s aid before paramedics and police arrived.
He was later taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, having suffered a severe head injury and traumatic bodily injuries, but he died three days later on December 10. The inquest heard how the Skoda was being driven by a 20-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, driving without a driving licence, and driving without due care and attention. He has since been released on bail and police investigations continue. Senior coroner Aled Gruffydd adjourned the inquest but added due to a “potential ongoing criminal case” the inquest would be suspended until the outcome of that took place. For the latest Neath Port Talbot news sign up to our newsletter here.
After Mr Crowley’s death his family wrote the following tribute in his memory: “Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, locally known as ‘Noel’, was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic. He grew up and lived all of his life in Port Talbot. He met his adored wife Anne in 1954 and they married in 1957.
“He earned his trade as a bricklayer and worked for Hecketts, an American contracting company, in the steelworks where he was deputy manager. He built many things for many people and would be the go-to man for advice, possessing great wisdom and judgement.
“He served the area for many years as a member of St Vincent de Paul, a local councillor, mayor and leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, hugely supported by his wife Anne. His community service was acknowledged by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she awarded him with his CBE. His other accolades include Deputy Lieutenant, Order of St John, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, and Freeman of the Borough.
“He and Anne were together for 70 years and they did everything for and with each other. She supported him in everything he did. He was a devoted family man and a key carer for his grandson Sam who has autism, looking after his every need. In retirement he loved to play golf and made many friends during his time as a member of Pyle & Kenfig golf club. He retired from golf a year ago to be with his wife Anne who has been suffering from ill health. He was dearly loved by all his family of whom he was hugely proud, including his two deceased sons Tyrone and Timothy.
“He greeted everyone with a smile, had a wonderful ability to make you laugh, and was a great storyteller. He achieved great things in his life but his greatest gift was the selfless way he loved and cared for others. He passed peacefully surrounded by his adored family who loved him so much. No words can explain the loss we are feeling. His memory lives on in us all.” Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.