Family of Dumbarton pensioner, 85, who died after being hit by car ‘feel for driver’ involved
The family of an elderly Dumbarton[1] man who died after being hit by a car on the town’s High Street say they “feel for the driver of the car” and “hold no malice” against him.
James Sweeney, 85, lost his life two days after he was struck by a Vauxhall Mokka driven by a 76-year-old man. The incident happened just before 12.30pm on Thursday, January 18.
Police and ambulance crews raced to the scene and James was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital[2] in Glasgow, where he passed away two days later.
His family say they’ll remember James, who was born in Ireland before moving to the area and working for Scottish Water, as someone who “enjoyed a flutter, and a few halves in the town centre so he could get a wee blether”.
James’ funeral will be held this Friday (February 16), reports the Daily Record[5], at Cardross Crematorium at 2.15pm with family and friends, then welcomed to the Counting House in Dumbarton for refreshments.
Niece Caroline added: “The Sweeney family feel for the driver of the car and hold no malice towards them. That’s something that we really want to stress.”
Tributes poured in for James – known as wee Jimmy – who was a well kent face in the High Street, following the incident.
Elaine Neeson said: “Condolences to all his family and friends, such a lovely man.”
Emma Dott posted: “Rest in peace wee jimmy.”
And Cheryl Myles said: “Oor wee Jimmy. What a gem you were. God bless you sweetie. This is such a tragedy.”
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Urging anyone who saw the incident to come forward, Sergeant Archie McGuire, of Argyll and West Dunbartonshire’s road policing[7] unit, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died. As our inquiries continue to establish the circumstances surrounding this crash, I would urge anyone with information to come forward.
“If you were in the area of High Street or Bridge Street around the time of the crash, or if you have any dashcam footage, please contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information should contact police by calling 101.
References
- ^ Dumbarton (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Family of Airdrie woman ‘very concerned’ following ‘out of character’ disappearance (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ Woman with terminal cancer plans dream wedding to leave her family with ‘special memories’ (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)
- ^ reports the Daily Record (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)
- ^ Glasgow Live’s Whatsapp Community here (chat.whatsapp.com)
- ^ road policing (www.glasgowlive.co.uk)