Heartbroken tributes have been paid to an amateur footballer with a ‘heart of gold’ who tragically died after being hit by a car.
Emergency services rushed to Pembroke Road in Wigan shortly before 6 am on Thursday (January 9) but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and colleagues have since named the pedestrian as Darryl ‘Daz’ Tomlinson, who was in his 30s.
Wigan Town FC, where Daz played football, led tributes to the ‘easy-going lad’ who ‘always had time for anybody’. Their emotional tribute read: “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, the M.E.N reports. 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.”
Police and paramedics 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.
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 (January 10).
Pembroke Road, off Kitt Green Road, Wigan
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.
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