Heartbroken family’s tribute to ‘kindest’ man who died after crash

The devastated family of a cyclist who tragically died after a crash yesterday (Friday) have paid tribute to him, describing him as one of the "most open minded people you could meet."

Emergency services were called to Rowson Street, New Brighton, on Merseyside, at around 11:30am on Friday, June 5, following a collision between a bicycle and a van.

The cyclist had reportedly swerved to avoid a Nissan Micra before crashing into a stationary van waiting at the traffic lights. Passersby rushed to assist the man before he was taken to the hospital. Advertisement

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The family of John Edward Carr, aged 68, who died following the collision have released the following tribute: "He was one of the kindest, funniest, most open minded people you could meet.

"He had such a big heart and he never really lost that childlike sense of wonder.

He could find joy in the simplest things, including staying up far too late playing golf games on his VR headset, or chuckling away at silly YouTube videos.

"He spent 27 years working as a cook in the Merchant Navy and had so many wild and hilarious stories from his life. He would never fail to make us laugh or look out for us and he always loved us unconditionally. Advertisement

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"We still can't understand how he has been taken from us so suddenly.

It doesn't feel real. We don't want him to just become another headline. He was a real person.

He was loved and he mattered." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter [1] sent twice daily to your inbox

A Merseyside Police statement said: "At around 11.30am on Friday 5 June, emergency services were called to a report of a collision where a cyclist, now known to be John, had swerved to avoid a Nissan Micra and then collided into a stationary van waiting at traffic lights on Rowson Street. John was taken to hospital in a critical condition but passed away.

"Following enquiries, a 65-year-old woman from Wallasey was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision. She was taken to a police station for questioning and has since been released under investigation.

"The van driver stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries."

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Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: "First and foremost, my thoughts and those of my team are with John's family at this tragic time.

"My priority now is to get answers for his family, who are currently being supported by specially trained Family Liaison Officers.

"Although a woman was later traced and arrested, we are still keen to gather as much dashcam and other footage as possible.

"Please check any devices and come forward if you live, work or were passing the area around the time of the collision. Front and rear dashcams can often capture vital evidence without the driver being aware. Please review those devices and if you can help, get in touch with our team.

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"Any help we receive, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be vital as we build a picture of what happened.

"I also want to thank the members of the public who rushed to help John as he lay injured. It's often the case that we see the very best of human nature after such distressing events."

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook [2] Merseyside Police Contact Centre [3] with reference 26000446913.

You can also report information via the force's website: https://orlo.uk/8nVeF [4] or by calling 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://orlo.uk/dqgOP [5] Advertisement

If you were present and continue to be affected by this incident, help can be obtained through Aftermath Support, by calling 0845 634 4273 or emailing [email protected]