Footballer ‘with heart of gold’ hit and killed by car as ‘devastated’ club pays tribute
HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a footballer who tragically died after being hit by a car.
Cops and emergency services rushed to the scene on Pembroke Road in Wigan, Manchester, just before 6am yesterday after reports of a traffic collision.
Darryl Tomlinson, also known as Daz, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
He was described as an “easy going lad” who “always had time for anybody”, and having a “heart of gold”.
Wigan Town FC shared an online tribute to Daz, who played for the amateur club.
It reads: “This morning [Thursday] we had the devastating news that one of our founder open-age players Daz ‘T’ Tomlinson aka Shaggy, has passed away in an accident.
“This is a such a tragedy and shocked many of us. Daz was part of our 1st open-age team and along with a few others is the reason we still have a team going today.
“He was an easy going lad who always had time for anybody and loved his football to the core. Even though he wasn’t now playing he was still a regular on the side lines over the years.
“It really is such a tragedy and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Friends of Daz, who was aged in his 30s, have also paid tribute on social media.
One pal posted: “R.I.P Daz Tomlinson mate. What a top lad you was. You will be sadly missed by many. Thoughts are with family at this sad time. R.I.P up there mate.”
Another tribute, shared publicly, read: “Rest in peace Daz top lad always had a smile on his face.”
In another post, a neighbour shared: “Our street will never be same again with out seein u stood in porch in your blue dressing gown and your slippers in morning.
“You was one of the nicest lads I’ve ever met, absolutely heartbroken. God really does only take the best away from us.”
Emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian at 5.58am on Thursday.
The road was closed off and an evidence tent was put in place at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said that a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
She has since been bailed pending further enquiries, cops said.