Tributes to driver killed in A53 car crash in city centre
POLICE have bailed a motorist who was arrested in connection with a three-car crash which claimed the life of a 21-year-old man.
The 24-year-old was held on suspicion of dangerous driving after his silver Peugeot 206 was in collision with an HGV and a green Vauxhall Astra on the A53 Cobridge Road, Cobridge, in the early hours of yesterday morning.
The crash happened opposite the Ken Jervis garage, between the junctions of Mulgrave Street and Edgeware Street at around 3.40am.
Former Birches Head High School pupil Geoffrey Firkins, the driver of the Astra, died at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
The male drivers of the HGV and Peugeot were uninjured.
Staffordshire Police are now urging witnesses to come forward.
A police spokesman said: "An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing.
"Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the Vauxhall Astra or the Peugeot 206 near to Cobridge traffic lights prior to the collision, and also anyone who may have been in contact with Mr Firkins during Monday evening."
The HGV was travelling towards Cobridge traffic lights from the direction of Newcastle, and the Astra and Peugeot 206 were travelling from Cobridge lights in the opposite direction.
A stretch of the A53 was closed for several hours while emergency services were at the scene.
The road was reopened just before 10.30am.
Two ambulances, an incident support officer and a BASICS Emergency Doctor were sent to the scene.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival, crews found a car that had been very badly damaged.
"An HGV and a second car were also at the scene.
"The driver of the damaged car had suffered multiple injuries.
"His condition was stabilised at the scene before he was taken on blue lights to University Hospital North Staffordshire.
"Unfortunately, his condition worsened at hospital and despite all of the efforts of ambulance and hospital staff the man died around an hour after arrival."
Tributes to Geoffrey, from Chell Heath, were yesterday left on The Sentinel's website following news of the crash.
Karen Healey, headteacher at Birches Head High School, said: "Geoff was a valued member of the school community and was a young man who was very well liked.
"He was a great character and gave the school a lot of great memories.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time."
Any witnesses to the crash or the moments before the collision are asked to call the investigating officer, Sergeant Ian Revans, at Staffordshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 44 of February 7.
Related stories:
Man dies after crash on A53 near Cobridge lights
City centre road closed after crash involving lorry and two cars
24 Comments
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by traceyward17
Thursday, February 09 2012, 8:33PM
“To jenny,and family ...we cant imagine the pain your are suffering or the pure shock of something so terrible. Of all the loveliest, jolliest people in the world and i mean you Jenny!! pure and simple , should never have to go through life without her precious son. Hold dear to the glorious memories that you have made and shared as a family and remember you are not alone ever, you have mine and everyone,s surpport and love. I may of not know your son jen but i have known you and alan over 30 years and i feel for you both i really do. Your in our hearts and thoughts, love and care Tracey and Martin xxxxxxxxxxxx”
by rosemaryp8583
Thursday, February 09 2012, 4:39PM
“So true Alan(cousin)...one day at a time, there are some lovely condolence messages and im sure all the family will find some comfort from the words left here by people who did not even know Geoffrey but it shows that people unite in a tragic event and im sure Geoffrey is looking down on you all and always will be, your memory will live on in your son and in the heart of all those who knew you Geoffrey...goodnight godbless x”
by firky
Thursday, February 09 2012, 4:10PM
“hi every one its goe*** uncle Alan big thank you for all the nice messages its much appreciated by all family members day at a time thats alls you can do once again thanks
must say to gaz115 thank you for your apologetic write up so you do have a concience peoples opinions do have horrible consequencies maybe this could be a lesson for future
once again thanks to all and i dont want to do this again so RIP cheeky chappy love you Geoffrey from uncle ALAN aunty JULIE KIERAN and COREY XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX”
by gaz115
Thursday, February 09 2012, 8:26AM
“I would like to say i am so sorry if my comments sounded heartless or have hurt anyone in anyway , mostly the family and close friends im sorry, that was the last thing i wanted to happen. I did not mention who was to blame in the accident , its very sad , i work with young people all the time , its upsetting for me aswell when young lives of decent people are lost on our roads. Once again sorry to everyone .”
by PlayboyLeaLea
Thursday, February 09 2012, 2:11AM
“rip geoff. thoughts are with your family x”
by gemma1501
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 11:33PM
“All my thoughts are with geoffs family and friends, such a difficult time and such a tragic loss! To anyone who has anything disrespectful to say, I just hope you don't have to ever go through anything that makes you feel like your whole world has fallen apart. Jen, and all your precious family, I'm always here. You are all so strong and I am so proud of you all! Geoffrey will always be a part of you and you will all make him proud. He was a lovely person and what's happened was so tragic and shouldn't have happened to such a nice person. Thoughts are with all of his family. RIP xx”
by rosemaryp8583
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 10:32PM
“People should think before commenting,how can anyone disrespect my cousins son's memory it's disgusting and i hope they never have to live the nightmare the family are going through right now...a mother has lost her precious son, a sister her brother, uncles a nephew and a nanna & grandad a grandson and the most important thing is a son without his daddy...i'm appalled to think that there are small minded people out there who can be so cruel when someones world has been torn apart...one day you may face a tragedy and you will know what it feels like to lose someone so precious...
The tragic accident has affected so many not just family but also friends, i just would like to say R.I.P Geoff...x”
by laurenjade1
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 9:36PM
“well i hope the people who put the disrespectful comments do NOT have to go through what jenny and her family are!! Geoff you were a loverly guy not known you long but u were always smiling when i saw u, R.I.P mate, and dnt worry i am going too look out for your family and especially your little sis melissa, sleep tight angel:( xxxxx”
by stokie9009
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 8:49PM
“Well said
Our thoughts to all involved and familys.
x”
by Staffsknott
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 8:45PM
“My thoughts go out to the lad's family for a loss you would not wish on anyone. Regardless of what happened between the two cars and the ice, leave that for the insurance companies and Police to sort out.
We should also take a moment to think about the innocent lorry driver travelling in the oposite direction, he will have to live with the image of the horrific accident for the rest of his life.
My thoughts go out to all involved x”