Cyclist’s widow pleads for ‘end to misery’ over the cause of his death
THE devastated widow of a cyclist found dead at a roadside has appealed for anyone with information to contact police and “put us out of our misery”.
Mystery surrounds how 55-year-old David Helliwell from Tandragee died on Thursday.
He had been out cycling along the Drumnamether Road before he was found at around 7.30pm.
It is not known if he was hit by a car or collapsed. Police are investigating.
Wife Wendy, speaking to Q Radio, said she wished her husband’s death was an “evil dream”.
“We loved each other so much and I am lost without him,” she said. “My husband was a lovely man who gave a lot for the community. He worked in a home for mentally and physically handicapped adults — he was caring.
“He was a great man for the children in my household. He raised them beautifully, he had time for them, he talked to them. He could be cross, but he was a father rather than a pure friend.”
She said that her husband loved cycling.
“We don’t know yet whether it was a hit and run, an accident or a sudden death; we are still waiting for post-mortem results.
“However, if anybody knows anything, please, please call the police and put us out of our misery. We would love to know. I don’t care if it was a sudden death or an accident, but it would be nice to know.”
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, DUP Alderman Gareth Wilson said his thoughts and prayers are with the family.
“I have met the family a few times and speaking to David’s wife Wendy, it is just so difficult and sad what has happened; it’s so traumatic for them all,” he said.
“The family are all keen cyclists and it is such a shock that David has passed away.
“On behalf of everyone in the borough I sympathise with the Helliwells at this time.”
PSNI Inspector Leslie Badger appealed for information, saying: “This incident occurred shortly after 7.30pm. I am appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Drumnamether Road around this time and who may have witnessed anything to get in touch with us.
“We’d also like anyone who may have a dash cam fitted in their vehicle to check their footage and contact local officers on 101, quoting reference number 1208 31/05/2018.”
The Drumnamether Road was closed by police on Thursday after the discovery was made.
Paramedics were despatched but Mr Helliwell was pronounced dead at the scene.