A 30-year-old father died after being struck by a BMW on Hoylake Road in Birkenhead, just 30 seconds from his home, and three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Will Thomas was cycling along Hoylake Road shortly before 8pm on Sunday, November 1, when he was hit by a black 59 plate BMW X1. He had been on his way home after collecting his six-year-old son's iPad, also named Will, from his dad's house, but never made it back.
Family remembers a devoted dad
Will, who celebrated his 30th birthday in May, was the youngest of five children and a devoted father to his little boy. His mother, Mandy Smith, 54, described him as "the light of everyone's life", saying he had a gift for making people smile.
She told the ECHO: "No matter who he met, he'd put a smile on their face. He was a joker, always up for a laugh. He was such a bright light and he was my best friend."
Mandy said Will would "do anything for anyone" and "absolutely doted" on his son. She added: "He truly had a heart of gold. He didn't want to upset his son by not getting his iPad for him. He would have gone and got it - it wasn't even a question. He just wanted to make his son happy."
Crash happened moments from home
The family said Will was just 30 seconds away from home when the crash happened. Despite efforts to save him, he died from his injuries in the early hours of Monday, November 2, surrounded by his family.
His aunt, Sharon Williams, 56, said the family were struggling to come to terms with their loss. She said: "We're numb. It feels like a really bad dream; it doesn't feel real. He was a ray of sunshine. No matter what he was going through, he'd always be there for you."
A fundraiser has been set up by the family to help give Will the "send-off he deserves". It has already raised almost £3,000 in just 24 hours, as family and friends come together to pay tribute to the much-loved dad.
Three arrests and police appeal
Two people travelling in the BMW fled the scene following the crash but were later arrested, police said. A third person remained at the scene with the vehicle.
A 20-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old child were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit. The 19-year-old and 15-year-old were also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and report a collision.
Detective Sergeant Simon Duffy, lead investigating officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man's family who has died. His family are aware and are being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers and I would like to thank members of the public who stopped to help the injured cyclist.
"We have launched an investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident and although we have made three arrests, my team are continuing to establish the full facts."
The collision occurred on Hoylake Road between Compton Road and Hurrell Road, travelling away from Bidston train station. Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000896899. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
