‘Our hearts are broken and we are devastated’
FAMILIES PAY TRIBUTE TO FRIENDS WHO DIED IN COLLISION TRAGEDY
TOUCHING tributes have been paid to two men who died after they were hit by a car.
Friends John Keith Brown, 79, and David Culleton, 82, were both taken to hospital, but pronounced dead a short time later.
Mr Brown, known as Keith, was described by his family as a muchloved husband and grandad.
Mr Culleton’s family paid tribute to a ‘kind and caring dad’ whose smile lit up the community where he lived.
Police and paramedics were called to Upholland Road in Billinge, Wigan, at around 8.15pm on December 20 to reports three pedestrians had been injured during a collision with a Ford Kuga.
Mr Brown’s wife of more than 50 years, Ruth, believed to be aged in her 70s, was also taken to hospital.
No update on her condition has been released by police but at the time, Mrs Brown’s injuries were not understood to be life-threatening. No arrests have been made.
An investigation has been launched by police into the circumstances surrounding the incident and is ongoing, the force said.
The three were crossing Upholland Road, close to the junction with Longshaw Old Road, at the time of the collision.
In a statement released by police, Mr Brown’s family said: “To our beloved dad, Keith Brown, rest peacefully.
“Much loved grandad and husband of over 55 years to Ruth. Sorely missed by family and friends.”
Mr Culleton, a lifelong Everton fan, swam regularly at his local gym and was a keen walker.
In a statement, his family said: “Our dad Dave was the most kind and caring dad we could wish for. Our hearts have been broken and we are utterly devastated that he has been taken in this tragic way.”
Anyone with information about the incident can call police on 0161 856 4741 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.