TRIBUTES have been paid to a former soldier killed in a horror hit-and-run on Boxing Day.
Lee Kervin, 50, was cycling home to see his son on Saturday night when he was hit by a car in Ormskirk, Lancs.
Officers from Lancashire Police hurried to the scene after receiving reports that a man on a Cross XC Range bike had been struck by an unidentified vehicle while travelling along Wigan Road.
The dad, described by his family as a “chatty, social butterfly,” was rushed to Aintree Hospital, but died in the early hours of December 27.
A 29-year-old man was taken into custody by Lancashire Police on suspicions of death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He has since been released on bail.
A second man, 58, has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene.
In a tribute, Lee’s 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 social butterfly who enjoyed engaging in conversation with anyone amicable. He had a fondness for a pint and a 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.”
Anyone with information is urged to email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 0850 of 26th December 2024.
