Family tribute to football-mad Smiler, 31, who was pulled from river after crash

A grief-stricken family have spoken of their heartbreak after a 31-year-old football-loving man died in a crash. The body of Kial Thurman – nicknamed Smiler – was pulled from the river following a collision between his van and a lorry over the weekend.

His loved-ones today described him as a ‘bright, creative, and kind young man’ and a talented footballer.

Emergency services – including two air ambulances – had been called to Mill Lane in Lower Loxley, near Uttoxeter, at 3.55pm on Friday, December 1. The van had gone into the water,^[1] while the truck hit a bridge, which was left extensively damaged.

An investigation has been launched while the Kial’s family are supported by specialist officers.

In a tribute, Kial’s family said: “Our family are heartbroken at the devastating loss of Kial, who was a beloved son, brother and uncle. Rarely seen without a football by his feet, his loss will also be felt by the local football community.

READ: Villagers given sandbags as flood-hit North Staffordshire road shut off | Highways crews have been carrying out work between Madeley and Onneley ^[2]

READ: Car dealership quits Stoke-on-Trent base after just 17 months | Bravoauto is clearing out its Fenton site ^[3]

“He was a bright, creative, and kind young man who would bring out the best in all those around him with his infectious personality, living up to his nickname from childhood of Smiler.

“Our lives will not be the same again without our truly amazing son, brother, nephew and grandson. You were the most incredible footballer, artist and singer, all in one, a man of many talents. We love you with all our hearts and you will never be forgotten. Rest easy Kial until we all meet again. We ask that anyone that can help the police with their investigation to come forward.”

Staffordshire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward. A force spokesman said: “The family of a man who died after a collision in Lower Loxley have paid tribute to him.

“We were called to Mill Lane at 3.55pm on Friday, December 1 to reports of a serious collision involving a lorry and a van. Sadly, Kial Thurman, 31, from Long Eaton, died at the scene. Anyone who witnessed the collision or those with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area are asked to get in touch with us.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service ^[4] spokeswoman said: “Three ambulances, two paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulances from Cosford and Staffordshire attended the scene. On arrival we discovered a van that was submerged in the water.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services staff, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Staffordshire Police can be contacted on 101, quoting incident 409 of December 1, or message using Live Chat at www.staffordshire.police.uk ^[5]. You can also get in touch with collision investigators directly by emailing [email protected]^[6].

References

^{^} The van had gone into the water, (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Villagers given sandbags as flood-hit North Staffordshire road shut off | Highways crews have been carrying out work between Madeley and Onneley (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Car dealership quits Stoke-on-Trent base after just 17 months | Bravoauto is clearing out its Fenton site (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} West Midlands Ambulance Service (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} www.staffordshire.police.uk (www.staffordshire.police.uk)
^{^} [email protected] (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Sign up to our main daily newsletter here and get all the latest news straight to your inbox for FREE (data.reachplc.com)