Family pay tribute to grandfather’s ‘incredible bravery’ after he saves his wife with heroic last act that cost him his own life
Published: 17:56, 10 April 2025 | Updated: 01:20, 11 April 2025
A family has paid tribute to a grandfather's 'incredible bravery' after he sacrificed himself to save his wife from a horrific crash.
Heroic David Lalgee, 64, died following a smash on the M60 which saw a lorry cross the central reservation and go into the embankment, before hitting six vehicles[2].
Lancashire pastor Mr Lalgee was inside one of the cars involved in the collision near Swinton on March 20, alongside his wife, Jo.
As the tragic scenes unfolded, Mr Lalgee manoeuvred to take the impact of the collision, protecting his wife.
In a statement issued this morning his family spoke out about his heroic final moments, insisting that 'no words can truly capture the man David was'.
The family said: 'David was a devoted father to Josh, Tamar, and Ben, a loving stepfather to Jake, Will, and Connie, and a proud grandfather to nine wonderful grandchildren.
'He adored his family, and the way he loved his wife was something truly special filling their home with warmth, kindness, and steadfast devotion. His absence leaves a void that words cannot express.
'In his final moments, David did what he had always done - he put others before himself.
David Lalgee, 64, died following a crash on the M60 which saw a lorry cross the central reservation and go into the embankment, before hitting six vehicles
Mr Lalgee's family paid tribute saying he died in the way he had led his life - by putting other people before himself
The Lancashire pastor was inside one of the cars involved in the collision near Swinton on March 20, alongside his wife, Jo Lalgee (right)
'With incredible bravery, he protected his wife, Jo, placing himself between her and the oncoming lorry that had crossed the central reservation.
'He took the full impact, sacrificing his life to save the woman he loved. No words can truly capture the man David was.
'He was a protector, a carer, the Pastor of Church Alive in Blackpool, as well as above all else, a pillar of love and support to so many.
He lived to serve others, always offering kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
'David cared for people his whole life, not just for own family and friends but he was a proprietor for his own care home for over 30 years, Stockdove care home in Cleveleys where he cared for the elderly.
'We cannot imagine anyone ever speaking a bad word about him. His selflessness and compassion touched so many lives, and while our time with him was far too short, we will forever cherish the moments and memories he gave us.'
In March Ms Lalgee told MailOnline: 'David saved my life. It was a miracle that I walked away from the accident, he did everything he could to stop the lorry from hitting me.'
No-one else died in the collision, with a woman in her 20s suffering serious injuries in the crash, Greater Manchester Police said at the time.
Almost GBP6,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to support Mr Lalgee's family following his tragic death, while his son-in-law Reuben Morley will soon run an ultra-marathon in his memory.
Footage taken by traffic cameras showed a significant backlog of cars following the crash
Mr Lalgee's vehicle collided with a lorry which had blasted through the central reservation of the M60
No-one else died in the collision, with a woman in her 20s suffering serious injuries in the crash, Greater Manchester Police said at the time. The scene of the crash is pictured
The family added: 'In two weeks time David's son-in-law Reuben will be running his first 100-mile ultra-marathon - a challenge David wholeheartedly believed he could complete within 24 hours.
'In honour of David's strength and determination, Reuben is dedicating his race to him. Finally, we want to acknowledge the overwhelming love and support we have received.
'Every message, every kind word, and every shared memory means the world to us.
We see them all, and they remind us just how deeply David impacted so many lives.'
References
- ^ MARTI STELLING (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ go into the embankment, before hitting six vehicles (www.dailymail.co.uk)