Dad killed after being hit by lorry during night out to celebrate birthday

A pedestrian killed after being hit by a lorry had been out celebrating his birthday, say his family. Peter Cope was pronounced dead at the scene after being hit by a truck[1] on the A534 Wheelock Bypass between Wheelock and Crewe. The 45-year-old dad, from Crewe, had been out for his birthday in Sandbach town centre when the incident happened at around 3am just days before Christmas[2] on Sunday, December 21.

Peter's heartbroken family have told how he had been in Sandbach with friends before the tragedy and they have now been left "devastated".

The statement released via Cheshire Police read: "Peter was a devoted father to his five-year-old daughter, a husband, stepfather, son, and brother, and had been out celebrating his birthday in Sandbach town centre with his friend. We are devastated by his death." Many people have also taken to social media to send their condolences and express their sadness.

One person wrote on Facebook[5]: "Rest in Peace Pete. Worked with Pete and had a lot of support from him and for him, absolutely shocked he was such a funny bloke. Thoughts to the family.

R.I.P Pete." Another person similarly wrote: "I worked with Pete wow I'm so sorry for his family he was a top bloke rip mate." Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision or people who may have footage to come forward.

Sgt Russell Sime, of Cheshire Police., said: "We appreciate this incident happened during the early hours of the morning, but we are asking any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to get in touch with us as we establish the full circumstances." He added: "The same goes for anyone who may have been driving in the area around the time of the collision and captured any relevant dashcam footage." A statement from the force read: "Shortly after 3am on Sunday 21 December, police were called to reports of a collision on the A534 Wheelock Bypass between Wheelock and Crewe.

"The collision involved a HGV and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, 45-year-old Peter Cope from Crewe, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are seeking any witnesses to the collision, or anyone with any dashcam footage, to get in touch with them, by contacting 101 or via cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML-2237688."

References

1. ^ hit by a truck (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Christmas (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ Boy, 13, seriously injured after Boxing Day horror crash between car and bike (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ Pensioner dies after Christmas day 'disturbance' near retirement home (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ Facebook (www.mirror.co.uk)