Agony on the face of hit-and-run death widow
UNCLE OF MURDER VICTIM SAYS NEPHEW’S PARTNER WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH HORRIFIC IMAGES FOR REST OF HER LIFE
THE devastated uncle of a man who was fatally injured while trying to stop his car from being stolen in Chorlton has spoken of his grief.
Michael Samwell, 35, rushed out of his home in the early hours of Sunday – only be run over by his Audi S3 car as it was being driven away.
Tributes have been paid to Michael, a former Royal Navy officer known as Mike, and a vigil was held in Chorlton church on Sunday evening.
The victim’s uncle, Cliff Blake, has explained how Michael’s wife Jessica saw the horrific incident take place just yards from their house on Cranbourne Road.
He said: “Jess saw the whole thing happen. They heard something, as someone had broken in, and Mike went downstairs to see what was going on.
“Jess followed and Mike had gone outside… the person just drove at him and killed him. Jess was there and witnessed it. It’s just horrific – she will have those images with her for the rest of her life.”
Jessica returned to the scene yesterday with a suitcase, accompanied by police officers and comforted by family liaison officers. Cliff also praised his nephew, a project manager at an engineering firm. He said: “Mike was a lovely lad, intelligent and well-liked. He was fit and sporty, a keen skier and cyclist. But there was no aggression in him at all. If only he hadn’t woken up.” Mrs Samwell’s brother, Simon Lowth, said she was completely devastated by the tragedy and isn’t yet ready to speak. He said: “We are just in a state of shock. I have sent [Jessica] a text saying I was thinking of her and she just replied: ‘Thank you.’ I have spoken to our mum and she says that [Jessica] doesn’t want to speak to anyone. She is in total shock. She is completely heartbroken and we are all devastated for her.” The pair, who have no children together, married in July 2011. On Sunday, more than 50 people gathered outside the Samwells’ local church to lay flowers during a vigil. The short service was led by Rev Mike Walsh at Chorlton Central Church. Mourners then made the walk to Cranbourne Road, where they placed flowers at the scene of the crime. Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in at the scene for ‘friendly and talkative’ Mr Samwell, with dozens of flowers left nearby.
Michael Taylor, a barber who works just yards from where the horrific incident happened, knew Mr Samwell and spoke about what a great man he was.
He said: “He was such a nice bloke, we all liked him. I’m shocked, really shocked by this.”
Flowers were left at either end of the cordoned-off road where he lived.
The tribute on one bunch of flowers from his colleagues said: “One of the truest gents, nicest guys and loyalest friends. Such a tragic shock. Will be sorely missed, the office just won’t be the same without him.
“Deepest sympathy to Jess and all the family. Here to help if you need anything at all. Love, Dan and Carla.”
Another, from ‘Blacksheep,’ said: “To Michael, such a loss of a nice gentle man. I’m going to miss our chats.”
Forensic officers searched the area throughout yesterday.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9908. Alternatively, call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.