Tributes to husband after tragic collision
AMAN who died after being struck by a car in Middleton on Christmas Eve has been named.
Joshua Hellon, 30, was hit by a BMW 320i M Sport just yards away from his house on Rochdale Road just after 7.30pm on December 24, 2020.
Mr Hellon, originally from the USA, was rushed to hospital in a serious condition but later died as a result of his injuries.
An inquest into Mr Hellon’s death was opened last Thursday, January 7, at Rochdale Coroners’
Court. The hearing was told that Joshua was born in North Carolina before moving to Greater Manchester, where he lived with his husband Andrew.
Senior Police Coroner’s Officer, Paul Lever, told the inquest: “Around 19.35pm on December 24, Mr Hellon was struck by a car on Rochdale Road and suffered a cardiac arrest.
“He was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital where he was found to have suffered an unsurvivable head injury.
“He passed away at hospital surrounded by his family.”
The results of a postmortem examination have not yet been confirmed, but Mr Lever said he believed the provisional cause of death to be head and spinal injuries.
The driver of the BMW was arrested at the scene of the collision.
Enquiries are ongoing and are being conducted by GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Mr Lever told the hearing.
Paying tribute, Joshua’s mum Sabrina Locklear, who lives in the USA, said: “He had the biggest smile, he loved being with his family and friends.
“Joshua always spoke his mind and loved to celebrate and have a good time.
“He was my best friend, he loved his dogs, music and loved to dance.
“He genuinely brought love and laughter wherever he went. Joshua and his husband were so happy together.
“Andrew is just broken.” A number of floral tributes have been left outside Mr Hellon’s house on Rochdale Road, following the news of his tragic death.
Senior Coroner, Joanne Kearsley adjourned the hearing for a pre-inquest review on April 5, with a full inquest expected to take place in September this year.