First picture of grandad killed in crash as family pay tribute

Ian Stewart Baillie, from Rainhill, died from his injuries at the scene

17:22, 02 Apr 2026

Ian Stewart Ballie was killed in the crash on Monday afternoon(Image: Family handout / Merseyside Police)

A "much-loved" grandad killed in a crash has been named by police. Ian Stewart Baillie, 82, from Rainhill, was fatally struck by a grey Vauxhall Corsa and on the A570 James Roby Way, at the junction with Chapel Lane in St Helens at around 1pm on Monday, March 30.

His family are being supported by a specially trained Family Liaison Officer[1]. Paying tribute to Ian, his family said: "We make this tribute in loving memory of Ian Stewart Baillie, a much loved husband, father, father-in-law and grandad.

"His generosity, strength and laughter shaped our lives in countless ways.

Always in our thoughts, prayers and forever in our hearts. RIP."

The driver of the Corsa stopped at the scene and is currently under investigation. No arrest has been made, police confirmed.

The dual carriageway was closed for several hours, as well as Chapel Lane, while police carried out investigative work[2].

The road reopened at around 6pm on Monday.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the crash, particularly HGV drivers who may have been in the area at the time of the incident, to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Firstly my thoughts remain with Ian's family at this sad time. Road death causes devastation for all those involved, and it is our absolute priority to get answers for his family.

Merseyside Police scene at James Roby Way, St Helens.(Image: Liverpool Echo)

"We launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstance of this collision and this continues. This collision took place in a fairly rural area of the main route from St Helens[3] to the M62 Motorway.

"As such there are no houses or businesses overlooking the scene.

In addition there are limited local authority or highways cameras.

"For that reason, I make a further urgent appeal for witnesses to come forward to assist us. As I have previously mentioned, I know that there were many other vehicles on the dual carriageway at the time that this collision happened and whilst we have traced and spoken to the occupants of some of them, I would ask for others to contact us if we haven't already been in touch.

"I particularly appeal to those who drive heavy goods vehicles along this route (both directions) in between Eurolink and the M62 Motorway, who may have dash cameras fitted. If you were in the area at the time, please ask you company fleet manager to urgently review and download any footage that shows any part of this incident.

"Likewise for locally based businesses, if you believe any haulage or delivery company visited your premises around the time of the incident, please pass on this appeal to them.

Such HGV's are often based well away from Merseyside and may not realise the significance of what has actually happened.

"Similarly, for other motorists, please check your front and rear dash cameras on your vehicle.

They can often record vital evidence that you may be totally unaware of.

This could be crucial to our investigation and such footage can be easily overwritten as time goes by."

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC, contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email [email protected][4] quoting reference number 26000251185.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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References

1. ^ specially trained Family Liaison Officer (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ closed for several hours, as well as Chapel Lane, while police carried out investigative work (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ St Helens (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ [email protected] (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ liverpoolecho.co.uk/news (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ daily and breaking newsletter (data.reachplc.com)
7. ^ here (data.reachplc.com)
8. ^ @LivECHONews (twitter.com)
9. ^ Facebook/theliverpoolecho (www.facebook.com)