Tributes paid to 'most genuine' man who died after collision in Ilkeston

A fundraiser has been set up by his family to help raise money to pay for his funeral

A man who sadly died at the scene of a serious collision has been described as being "the most genuine" man. Sam Wilson has been named as the man who was killed during the early hours of Saturday (December 16) in Ilkeston.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 2am, where the 26 year old had suffered serious injuries and died at the scene. Two other people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries not thought to be serious.

Derbyshire Constabulary had a large scene in place throughout Saturday at the Market Place, but the area re-opened last night. Police patrols are continuing in the area, and officers would like to speak to anyone who has any concerns or who witnessed what happened.

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Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome is the senior officer leading the investigation, he said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night. I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”

“We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident. Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”

A 27 year old man was arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after the incident, and he remains in police custody. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the police and use the reference number 23*771155.

Sam was a member of the Curzon Football Club, and was also a "huge Derby County fan and season ticket holder." A spokesperson for the club said: "I would like to add that Sam was one of the most genuine, soft natured men you would ever wish to meet, he didn’t have a bad bone in his body and would do anything for anyone.

"He will be truly missed by his family, friends and all his team mates, RIP SAM till we meet again." In a post shared on Facebook, the team stated: "It’s with a very heavy heart that we have to share the news that our kind loving funny talented Number 12 and last season's player of the season Sam Wilson tragically lost his life early hours this morning.

"We’ve not just lost a player, we’ve lost a friend, a brother, a son, a boyfriend and all round one of life’s good guys, his impact on all of our lives will never be forgotten! Sam we love you and we will all miss you until we meet again keep looking down on us with that infectious smile."

Sam's sister, Abbie Rowley, has set up a Just Giving page to help raise funds to cover the cost of his funeral. Almost 300 people have already donated to the page, raising over £6,800 as of 6pm on Sunday (December 17).

In the fundraiser, she wrote: "As many of you are aware, my brother Samuel, or Sam/Willow to everybody else was tragically killed in the early hours of Saturday morning, 16th December.

"Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts. I know this isn’t a good time of year financially for anybody, but if anyone would like to help and donate towards the cost of saying Goodbye to Samuel, and help would be greatly appreciated from myself, and my family.

"Thankyou, all our love x."