Family tribute to ‘wonderful’ ex-navy officer in car death
AN EX-ROYAL Navy officer killed while trying to stop thieves stealing his car was a “wonderful husband, brother and son”, his family have said.
Mike Samwell, 35, was killed after chasing intruders at his £500,000 home in Chorlton, Manchester, who broke in while he and his wife, Jess, were asleep upstairs in the early hours of Sunday.
He went outside and was run down as the thieves sped off in his Audi S3 car. His wife, an accountant, screamed his name and cried for help as he lay dying in the street before neighbours dashed to the scene and an ambulance was called.
Mr Samwell, who served 12 years in the Royal Navy, was pronounced dead in hospital around an hour later. His family have now issued a touching tribute through Greater Manchester Police.
It said: “Mike’s death has made a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled. Mike was the most wonderful husband, brother and son. He would do anything for anyone and was an ever-dependable and generous family member and friend to so many. He was always smiling and sharing his amazing sense of humour. We are so proud of all that Mike was and had achieved.
“Mike was devoted to his family above anything. His wife, Jess, was his one great love. He was a loyal and treasured friend. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives.”
A 21-year-old man has been arrested and bailed by police, who have launched a murder inquiry and are hunting a number of suspects.
Mr Samwell’s Audi S3 car was recovered by police badly damaged and abandoned three miles away in the Ladybarn area of the city.