‘He sacrificed his life to save the woman he loved’

Loving tributes have been paid to David Lalgee, 64, who died after a lorry crossed the central reservation and hit six vehicles on the M60 near Swinton, Greater Manchester, on March 20

13:55, 10 Apr 2025Updated 14:20, 10 Apr 2025

Tributes have been paid to a 'selfless' family man who gave his life to save his wife in a horrific motorway crash.

The family of 64 year old David Lalgee, who died in the collision on the M60, said he 'sacrificed his life' to protect his wife Jo. In a poignant statement, they said David, a Lancashire pastor, had always put others before himself and that his final act was one of 'incredible bravery'.

The devoted father and grandfather was in a car with his wife when a lorry crossed the central reservation and crashed into six vehicles. As the tragedy unfolded, David manoeuvred to take the impact, protecting Jo from the worst of the collision, reports the Manchester Evening News[1].

His 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. 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."

No-one else died in the collision, with a woman in her 20s suffering serious injuries in the crash, GMP said at the time. Almost GBP6,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to support David's family[2] following his tragic death, while his son-in-law Reuben Morley will soon run an ultramarathon in his memory.

The family added: "In two weeks' time, David's son-in-law, Reuben Morley, will be running his first 100-mile ultramarathon - 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

1. ^ the Manchester Evening News (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ GoFundMe to support David's family (www.gofundme.com)