Man killed in crash 'lit up the room', say family

Harriet Robinson
BBC News, West of England
Family handout Stephen Hale, wearing a dark Guinness polo shirt, sitting on a hill. He is stroking a wiry, black dog, which is wearing a red collar.Family handout
"Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him," said his family

The family of a pedestrian who died after being hit by a car say he "lit up the room and made you smile".

Stephen Hale, 58, died at the scene of a crash in Lydney, Gloucestershire on 14 March.

A woman in her 30s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving under the influence of drugs. She was later released under investigation.

Paying tribute, Mr Hale's family described him as a "kind, loving" dad, husband and brother who was "loved by all".

Mr Hale, from Lydney, leaves behind his children Rebecca and David, wife Tracy and sister Julie.

They say he had "a dry sense of humour that was often very subtle", adding: "He could always light up the room and make you smile.

"He knew, and was known by, a lot of people; no journey or trip was complete without him bumping into someone or chatting to someone he knew."

Mr Hale's family said his interests included horse racing, Friday night skittles, and the railway, which "was his life for nearly 40 years".

"Steve will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him," they added.

Several bouquets of flowers in plastic wrapping placed on grass next to a road. The camera is low. focusing on the flowers. There are a couple of cars and a house in the background.
A police spokesperson said "despite the best efforts of police officers and paramedics", Mr Hale could not be saved

The investigation continues and anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact Gloucestershire Police.

The force would also like to see any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage.

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