A popular and well-known figure in local football has died after being struck by a car on the Nene Parkway in Peterborough on Sunday night (7 October).
David Pearson (63), of Reeves Way, Eastfield, affectionately known as “Ginge”, died on Sunday night after being hit by a Renault Megane Scenic on the northbound carriageway of the road.
Police believe Mr Pearson, a long-standing committee member of Eye United, which became Peterborough Northern Star FC after its move to Dogsthorpe, had just got out of another vehicle when the collision happened at about 11pm.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Pearson’s death has prompted a flood of tributes from those who knew him.
Roger Daniels (63), former manager of Eye United and Peterborough Northern Star, had known him for 40 years.
He said: “It really is a sad loss to local football because everybody was aware of him. He was well-liked. I can’t think of anybody who could say a cross word about him.”
Mr Pearson, who was unmarried, was a vice president of the football club, having been involved in its running since the 1970s.
Among the support he gave was cutting the grass, tidying the ground and also providing a watchful eye for any activities being held at the club’s facilities.
On the day of his death, he had been at the Chestnut Avenue ground, helping with catering during a match.
Graham Phillips, Northern Star committee member, said: “He was always available and would always step in when he was needed. If someone wasn’t able to do it, you could always ring Ginge and he would do it.”
Tribute has also been paid from Mr Pearson’s employer, South Holland District Council.
A spokesman said: “We were very shocked and saddened to learn of the death of David who was a valued member of the street cleansing team and friend to many at the council. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this distressing time.”
A minute’s silence will be observed ahead of Peterborough Northern Star’s match on Saturday.
Appeal launched for witnesses to the collision.
The crash took place on the northbound carriageway of the Nene Parkway, on Sunday, at about 11pm, around 400 metres north of junction 33.
It involved a Renault Megane Scenic driven by a 31-year-old man from Peterborough, who was uninjured in the crash.
Witnesses should call Sgt Liz Broom on 101.
Comments