Tragedy as family switch off life support for grandad who was hit by car while crossing the road with granddaughter

The family of a ‘lovely and caring’ grandad who was fatally struck by a car while crossing a road with his granddaughter have paid an emotional tribute to him.

Terence Lewis James, 78, died on Monday evening (September 30) surrounded by his loved ones. The decision was made to switch off his life support after he was left critically injured in a crash on Grimshaw Lane, in Middleton, the night before.

Emergency services were called to reports that a Nissan Micra had struck a pedestrian at around 7.05pm. Terence, who had walked to the shop with his 10-year-old granddaughter after spending the afternoon at his daughter’s to enjoy a Sunday roast, was rushed to hospital with serious and life-threatening injuries.

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Terence’s family, who gathered around him at Salford Royal Hospital to say their farewells, confirmed the decision was made to switch off his life support machine at 9.21pm on Monday. He passed away just four minutes later.

His granddaughter Jade Louise Greatbanks, one of Terence’s 15 grandchildren, told the Manchester Evening News that she flew back early from her holiday in Tunisia when she heard the devastating news. He also leaves behind his four children Caroline, Beverley, Sarah and Alan.

“I was so close to my grandad,” she said. “I got the first flight home. He couldn’t wait for me to come back so we could book a holiday away next year together.

“I used to speak to him everyday. I was there for him every single day. All of his family loved him so much. We are all heartbroken.

“The doctors told us that he had already gone, but the life support machine was keeping him alive. We turned it off at 9.21 and four minutes later, he had gone.”

“He was such a lovely man. Everyone adored him. He was well known around Moston and Blackley and used to drink in the Blue Bell up until a few years ago. He was just the most caring man. Nobody ever has a bad word to say about him.”

Terence, who used to work at Royal Mail depot on Oldham Road, was well-known around Moston and Blackley. He suffered a stroke around two years ago and had recently suffered from ill-health, Jade said.

On the day of the fatal collision, Jade said Terence had been at her mum Caroline’s house for a Sunday roast. He then went to a nearby shop with his granddaughter, aged 10, to buy orange juice.

“It happened as he crossed the road,” Jade said. “My little sister then ran over to my mum’s to tell her and she came running out. By the time they got there, the police had stopped my mum going near him.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses as they investigate the collision. Grimshaw Lane was taped off in both directions overnight as officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit conducted enquiries at the scene. The driver of the Micra initially stayed at the scene and was assisting with police enquiries.

A GMP spokesperson added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or doorbell footage, from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting log number 2814 of 29/09/2024. Alternatively, details can be shared on the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.