A former soldier who was tragically killed in a ‘hit and run’ on Boxing Day while cycling home to his son has been pictured for the first time.
Lee Kervin was coming home from the pub where he worked in Ormskirk when he was hit at about 6.45pm. The much-loved 50-year-old father was riding a push bike when he was struck by a car on Dicks Lane.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports a man, travelling along Wigan Road on a Cross XC Range bike, had been hit by an unknown vehicle. The ‘chatty social butterfly’ was taken to Aintree Hospital but died in the early hours of December 27.
In a tribute issued by Lancashire Police, his family said: “Loving son of Barbara and John, and dad to son Brad. Uncle to two nieces and two nephews. Lee was a quick-witted chatty social butterfly, who would always chat to anyone friendly, he liked a pint and chat.
“He was well known in the village of Parbold where he grew up with his siblings Allan and Dawn. Lee would go out of his way to help anyone he could, always chatting and helping someone out.
“He served his country in the army – in the Royal Green Jackets – serving in Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone among other places. He left the army to become a single dad to Brad.
“He stepped up to his responsibilities and loved raising Brad to become the man he is today. Lee lived in the Wigan area before returning to Parbold and eventually settling in Ormskirk. Lee had several jobs over the years, ranging from gardening to pub work in the kitchens.
“He was the handyman of the family, always ready to fix the failed attempts of DIY of his family. Lee had left a huge void within our small tight-knit family, and he will be greatly missed.”
Lee Kervin, 50, was a former soldier
His sister told the BBC he had been at the pub before setting off for the short journey to his home, where he lived with his 20-year-old son, Brad. Mr Kervin’s son described him as ‘a great father who loved me endlessly and taught me so much’.
Following the incident, a 29-year-old man from Burscough was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink/drugs. He has since been released on bail with conditions, pending further enquiries.
Police have also confirmed a second person has now been arrested. A 58-year-old man, from Skelmersdale, is in custody held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision and is currently in custody.
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses and CCTV/dashcam footage or anyone with any information to get in contact with the force. Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who saw or captured a Kia Sportage being driven in the area between 6.30pm and 7pm.
Anyone with information can email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0850 of December 26 2024.
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