Family Pay Tribute After Tragic Christmas Eve Collision in Southport

Simon Coombes

The family of a Southport man who tragically lost his life following a road traffic collision on Christmas Eve have issued a heartfelt tribute.

Emergency services were called at around 5.30am on Tuesday 24 December following reports of a serious collision on Marine Drive, between the junctions of Marshside Road and Hesketh Road.

The incident involved a black Mini Cooper and a pedestrian, 55-year-old Simon Coombes. Despite the best efforts of emergency crews, Simon was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Merseyside Police have confirmed that an investigation remains ongoing. The driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene and is assisting police with enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have relevant dashcam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact Merseyside Police. Information can be provided by DM’ing @MerPolCC, contacting the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or by emailing SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 25001047328.

Simon’s family have now paid tribute to him in a moving statement:

**“Our brother Simon kept himself to himself and never wanted to bother people with his problems.”

“He was dad to four children and used to go walking every day, catching the early morning sunshine around the Marine Lake and collecting any treasures he could find.”

“He was an avid Manchester City supporter and always polite and friendly to people around him.”

“He’d lived all over starting with Manchester where he was born, Bury, Plymouth and Southport where he sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with you, our big brother Simon.”

“He gave no one a last farewell not even a goodbye

He was gone before we knew and only mum will now know why”

“A million times we will miss you.

A million times we will cry.

If love alone would have saved you,

You never would have died.

I wish you’d rang us more often and told us reasons why.

And then we could have talked things through why you shouldn’t have to die,

In our hearts you hold a place no one else can fill.

Just know that in death we love you still,

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you didn’t go alone.

For part of us went with you the day you were taken home.

Now your out of pain. Rest in Peace Simon.

“Gone but never forgotten. Superbia in Proelio (Pride in battle).”**

Our thoughts are with Simon’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.