Rugby fan dies in crash on his way home from match
TRIBUTES have been paid to a lifelong Leigh Centurions rugby league fan who died while he was driving home from a match.
Gerald Seddon, from Newton-LeWillows, was driving back from the rugby game at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday when he crashed.
The 64-year-old, who also had a passion for Northern Soul, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His devastated family said the news of his death has left them ‘numb.’
In a statement released through police, they said: “Gerald was a lifelong Leigh Centurions supporter and lived for Northern Soul Weekends.
“We are just shocked and numb and coming to terms with what has happened.”
Gerald had been driving his blue and white Austin Mini Sky Rose west along St Helens Road towards Atherleigh Way when it crashed with a white BMW, which was travelling east. Gerald’s passengers, a 32-year-old and 41-year-old man, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries following the smash. The 32-year-old is still in hospital with serious, but non-lifethreatening injuries. The 41-year-old has since been discharged and was at home recovering. The driver of the BMW suffered minor injuries and stayed at the scene to speak to police. Gerald Seddon’s devastated family
No one was arrested, and police are appealing to anyone who saw the crash to get in touch.
Pc Seamus Toal, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts continue to be with Gerald’s family at this devastating time.
“Gerald had been at the Leigh Centurions match and was on his way home when the collision happened.
“We are still appealing for anyone who saw the collision to get in touch, particularly if you have dash-cam footage, we are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 846 4741, quoting reference number 1512 of February 4.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.