Family pays tribute to ‘kind, gentle’ rugby player killed by careless …
The family of a professional rugby player killed by a careless driver have paid tribute to “a kind, gentle soul with the biggest heart”. Liam Walsh, 23, died in a crash on Cronton Road in Widnes in 2021.
Glyn Davies, 59, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving following the collison. On Tuesday (September 26), Davies, of Deepdale, Widnes, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for two years.
Mr Walsh, a second rower who played for his hometown club Widnes Vikings between 2017 and 2019, died after being struck by a car shortly before midnight on Saturday, September 18, 2021. He was stood in the road attempting to flag down what he believed to be a taxi.
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However, the vehicle he was trying to stop was actually a red Vauxhall Corsa driven by Davies, who went on to collide with Liam. Liam was rushed to hospital but sadly he passed away a few hours later with his family beside him.
Following the sentencing, Liam’s family said: “What happened that day was totally avoidable, but due to the actions of one man, Liam has been taken from us forever. No sentence will ever make up for our loss and nothing will bring him back.
“Liam was a considerate and caring young man who touched the hearts and enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was dedicated to his partner and any spare time Liam had was spent with his family and friends as this is what was important to him.
“He was a kind, gentle soul with the biggest heart, he lit up any room he walked into and he was a true gentleman. It was a pleasure and an honour to have him in our lives for his 23 years and we will now and forever be proud of him.
“His passing left a gaping hole in our family that will never be filled, he will never be forgotten, and words cannot describe how much he is missed.”
In addition to his suspended prison sentence Davies was also banned from driving for five years, ordered to complete 20 days rehabilitation and handed a four-month electronic curfew between 8pm and 6am.
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References
- ^ Hospital bosses address Letby case at first board meeting since killer jailed (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ ‘Beautiful’ Congleton woman whose death sparked murder probe named (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
- ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)