Tributes have been paid to a man described as “one of the best” who died in a crash on Friday.

Jake Neary was hit by an Audi A5 in an alleyway in Rawtenstall at around 11.20pm on July 26.

Jake, who was in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Parramatta Street as well as at Neary’s General Store in Helmshore.

Several local cricket clubs also took to social media to pay tribute to Jake ahead of their weekend matches.

Haslingden Cricket Club said on Sunday: “Following the tragic and untimely passing of our friend and former player Jake Neary, we will be holding a minute’s silence in his memory before today’s First XI game at Bentgate v Clitheroe Cricket Club.”

On Facebook, Edenfield Cricket Club said: “The Edenfield family are devastated to hear of the passing of former player Jake Neary.

 

“Everyone who knew Jake absolutely loved him. He was genuinely funny and always had the room in stitches. One of the best.

“Thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Ramsbottom Cricket Club said: “We are devastated to hear of the tragic passing of Jake Neary. He played with us for a season in 2017 and made many good friends.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone at Haslingden Cricket Club. He came through their junior ranks and played senior cricket there for six years. Many of his closest friends still play there.”

More clubs from across East Lancashire also paid their respects with social media tributes and minute’s silences before their fixtures.

Replying to a post on X, Phillip Hayes said: “Everybody who shared a dressing room with Jake loved him to bits. Gutted. One of life’s true characters. Can’t quite believe it.”

Anyone with information on the crash should email the police or contact 101, quoting log 1666 of July 26.

Sgt Dan Gunn, of the roads policing unit, said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who died at this very sad and distressing time.

“As part of our investigation, we are appealing for witnesses to the collision and we want anyone who walked past this alleyway off Parramatta Street around the time it happened, to get in contact.

“Also, if anyone has dashcam or CCTV footage from the area, we ask you to contact police.”