He said he had a ‘gut feeling’ something serious had happened when his phone started ringing on Christmas Eve
Simon Coombes, 55, died after being hit by a car on Christmas Eve
The heartbroken son of a man who died on Christmas Eve after being hit by a car said he is still in ‘shock and in disbelief’ as police continue to investigate.
At around 5.30am on Tuesday, December 24, Merseyside Police were called to Marine Drive in Southport after receiving reports of a male being hit by a black Mini Cooper. Simon Coombes, 55, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Dad-of-four Simon, who was originally from Bury but had lived in Southport for over a decade, was described by his family as being the ‘biggest Manchester City fan’ with one of his sons, Bailey-James West, praising him for recently changing ‘his life around’. He is also survived by children Shane, James and Maurice.
Bailey-James, 33, from Leigh, told the ECHO: “He clearly changed his life around for the better, which we are very proud of. We love him to the moon and back. He was a big Ozzy, Motley Crew and Guns and Roses fan. I definitely got my music taste from him.”
Tributes to the 55-year-old man who was struck by a car on Christmas Eve in Southport(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Of the moment he learned of the December 24 incident, Bailey-James said: “I got a missed call off my auntie on Christmas Eve at around 3 or 4pm. At the time, I was on my own, so it was a good job I didn’t pick up as my mum, partner and sister were grabbing last bits and I was busy peeling spuds ready for Christmas dinner.
“My cousin and auntie also messaged my sister to get in contact, and I just had a gut feeling it was about my dad and kind of switched off. My sister rang, where it was confirmed. I was in shock, if anything. It didn’t feel real “I’m shocked and in disbelief, as you think it couldn’t happen to you or your family. You watch things like that on true crime documentaries, but when you’re actually at the scene with your family, something just hits different.
“Your brain asks, what, where, why, with every scenario racing round of what might have happened. From what we have been told, he changed for the better. People that knew him or loved him had kind words, and I’m blessed that that’s how people knew him.”
Simon Coombes (R) with brother David and sisters Kim and Louise
The driver was said to have stopped at the scene and Merseyside Police said they are assisting the force with its enquiries. The police force is continuing to appeal for more information regarding the incident. Marine Drive, near to the junction with Hesketh Road, was closed for several hours in the aftermath near to the junction with Hesketh Road.
Speaking about the phone call from his sister Kim, Simon’s son David, 52, from Bury, explained: “She said they thought Simon had been hit, then she rang back to say it was Simon and he had passed away. He’d been knocked down. I got both phone calls on the tram, and because there were so many people around us I couldn’t say anything. I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t show any emotion, because there were just so many people around. It’s the longest journey home I have ever had.
Tributes at the scene on Marine Drive in Southport included flowers and a packet of mince pies, left by Simon’s sister Kim(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“He was a cheerful person, but he always kept himself to himself. When he lived over in Bury with us, he was always happy, hardworking, but he had a few accidents at work which meant he couldn’t work any longer. We would always meet at Costa Coffee in the town centre, where we would have a coffee and some cake. It was always nice.”
Simon’s family visited the scene in order to lay flowers on Sunday. Amongst the tributes was a packet of mince pies, which were left by sister Kim. Asked about visiting the scene, David said: “It was very daunting, eerie, quiet, but cars fly up and down there. We took some flowers and cards. It was our Kim who put the mince pies there. She wanted to make sure he had something. People grieve differently.”
Simon previously lived across various parts of the UK, including on the south coast, while working as a metal polisher. Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said last week: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life following the collision this afternoon. His family have been informed and are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers.
David (L) with brother Simon Coombes
“A fatal collision is always heart-breaking for families and loved ones, but for it to happen on Christmas Eve is particularly tragic. We have launched an investigation into the man’s death, and it is now a priority for us to get answers on how the collision occurred and my team are working to establish the key facts.
“I know this happened early in the morning, but if anyone saw what happened or were driving through the area just before the incident occurred then please get in touch. You may have information or dashcam footage that would be useful to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC, contact the serious collision investigation unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference number 25001047328. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.