Rugby coach and 'devoted' father died after being hit outside broken down lorry on M6, driver charged

Rugby coach Cliff Tamou, who moved to the UK from New Zealand over 30 years ago, died after being hit by a Toyota Avensis after his white MAN Truck HGV broke down on the junctions 15 (Crewe) and 16 (Stoke) southbound on Thursday (February 27).

The 58-year-old, from Wigan, sadly died at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, a 22-year-old man from Dudley suffered non-life threatening injuries, and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The young man has since been charged and has been remanded into custody to appear at Stoke Crown Court on April 7, police said.

His family have now paid tribute to the father-of-six through the police. The statement read: “Cliff Tamou, 58, who moved to the UK over 30 years ago from New Zealand and settled in the Wigan area, was a devoted husband, father to six children and five grandchildren.

“He was a lorry driver for many years and loved playing, refereeing and coaching rugby. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected in this very sad time.”

The fatal crash forced the closure of the motorway, which caused severe delays in the area.