The family of a father who died when an SUV crashed into a Lidl supermarket in Wolverhampton have paid tribute to his “kindness, generosity and wonderful sense of humour.”
James Singh Jagpal, 39, from Wolverhampton, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision at the store on Finchfield Hill on Friday, October 23, shortly before 6pm. West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said three other people were taken to hospital.
Family tribute
Four days after the crash, Mr Jagpal’s family issued a statement describing him as “a much-loved son and brother, devoted partner of over 20 years and loving father to two wonderful daughters.”
“Known for his kindness, generosity and wonderful sense of humour, James was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. James was the absolute centre of our world, and it is unimaginable how we will navigate life without him by our side,” the statement said.
The family thanked “the staff, customers and emergency services who immediately came to James’s aid at the scene” and appealed for the public to respect their privacy by not sharing distressing footage of the aftermath online. They continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.
Investigation and appeal
WMAS said a woman left in a serious condition was rushed to hospital along with a man who was also inside the shop. The woman driver was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
The driver, a woman in her 70s, has been released from hospital and will be spoken to in due course. Two other women taken to hospital with injuries have since been discharged.
Police said: “We’re continuing to work to establish the full circumstances of the collision. We’re looking to speak to anyone who was driving in the area around Finchfield Hill between 5pm and 6pm on Friday.”
Officers are especially keen to see dashcam footage of the car involved and have asked anyone who remembers seeing a blue Renault Zoe immediately before the collision to get in touch. Information can be reported by calling 101 or using Live Chat on the police website, quoting log 4069 of 23 October, or by emailing SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk.
