CHERISHED PHOTO: Mr Christopher Colegate holding his granddaughter some years ago
The family of a frail pensioner who died in a fatal fail to stop road traffic collision in Poole is urging the driver involved to do the right thing and come forward.
Officers were called at 7.25pm on Friday 13 December to the collision at the junction of Darby’s Lane and Heath Avenue in Poole where a pedestrian had been found seriously injured in the road.
Christopher Colegate, 69, from Poole, was tragically struck by a vehicle at the junction of Darby’s Lane and Heath Avenue in Poole. The vehicle failed to stop, leaving Mr Colegate in the road with significant injuries and was taken to Poole Hospital but died a short time later.
Mr Colegate was frail and used two walking sticks to aid his mobility.
In a statement released today, Mr Colegate’s family said: “As a family we are devastated; this has ruined our Christmas. Christopher always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed building things with them. It will never be the same again and it is already difficult for them to understand.
“We would urge the driver involved in the collision to do the right thing and contact the police.”
Police Sergeant Stuart Pitman, from Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “We have all been affected by this collision, especially considering the time of year it is.
“Despite being restricted, Mr Colegate maintained his independence, regularly attending a nearby club where he enjoyed socialising.
“I am personally appealing to the driver of the vehicle who struck Mr Colegate to come forward to bring closure, especially for the family at this important time of year.
“The area in question is a junction and we know there were a number of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists in the area when the collision occurred.
“I am urging anyone who may have seen vehicles driving erratically in the area at that time to also come forward.
“In our experience members of the public often think the information they have is not important but it really can be – no matter how small the detail. Officers from the traffic department are committed to finding the person involved in this incident.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 13:478. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
