The family of a man who died following a collision in Rawtenstall at the weekend said he was “one of a kind”.
Jake Neary (31) died at the scene in an alleyway off Parramatta Street on Friday, July 26.
Police received a report that he was hit by an Audi A5 at around 11.20pm – and they continue to seek witnesses who may have passed by the alleyway on foot or in the car.
His family have today paid a heartbreaking tribute to him. They said: “His positive energy never failed to light up any room with his quick-witted humour and he was never without a story to tell.
“Sport was Jake’s everything. From playing football at Haslingden Juniors Football Club to running for Rossendale Harriers, but his main love was for cricket and golf. He was a great bowler; a talented golfer and he always knew how to keep everyone laughing. He was a larger-than-life character, a team player and a joker that never took life too seriously.
“And he was so much more, he was intelligent, kind and happy. He was competitive, even on a quiz night. He loved his music; a bit of George Benson to start the weekend he’d say. He loved to read biographies, and we all know Jake loved his food.
“We have been comforted by the many kind messages from everyone who loved Jake, it is a testament to who he is as a person. We truly know how well he is loved by so many.
“We are incredibly lucky to call Jake our son, brother, nephew and cousin and to have been blessed with him in our life for 31 years. We will always love him, and he will be in our hearts forever.
“As a family with the support of good friends we will continue to live every day keeping Jake’s memory alive.”
Jake’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.
If you witnessed this collision, have CCTV footage or walked past the alleyway off Parramatta Street around the time that it happened, you can contact police on 101 quoting log 1666 of July 26, 2024.
