Family's tributes to man who died in Rawtenstall crash

Jake Neary, 31, died after a crash in an alleyway off Parramatta Street, on Friday, July 26.

His family have today paid a heartbreaking tribute to him. They said: “Jake is one of a kind.

Jake Neary (Image: Lancashire Police) “Anyone who knows Jake will know he’s a character. His positive energy never failed to light up any room with his quick-witted humour and he was never without a story to tell.

“Jake is funny, bright and sensitive. He lived every day doing what he loved and enjoyed his life to the fullest.

"He was happiest on the golf course or having a laugh over a few beers with his friends. He was always, and will forever be, the entertainer.

“Sport was Jake’s everything. From playing football at Haslingden Juniors Football Club to running for Rossendale Harriers, but his main love was for cricket and golf.

"He was a great bowler, a talented golfer and he always knew how to keep everyone laughing.

"He was a larger-than-life character, a team player and a joker who never took life too seriously.

Jake Neary (Image: Lancashire Police)

“And he was so much more, he was intelligent, kind and happy. He was competitive, even on a quiz night. He loved his music, a bit of George Benson to start the weekend he’d say. He loved to read biographies, and we all know Jake loved his food.

“We have been comforted by the many kind messages from everyone who loved Jake, it is a testament to who he is as a person. We truly know how well he is loved by so many.

"We are incredibly lucky to call Jake our son, brother, nephew and cousin and to have been blessed with him in our life for 31 years. We will always love him, and he will be in our hearts forever.

“As a family with the support of good friends, we will continue to live every day keeping Jake’s memory alive.

“He will never be forgotten, and Jake will continue to make an impact in this world. He will leave a lasting impression on all our lives.”

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

Jake Neary died after a crash (Image: Lancashire Police)

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

Police are continuing to appeal for information and footage about the crash.

A spokesperson said: “We’re continuing to appeal for information after we received a report at around 11.20pm on Friday, July 26, of an Audi A5 colliding with a man who was in the alleyway off Parramatta Street, Rawtenstall.

“31-year-old Jake Neary was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers, and our thoughts remain with them at what must be an incredibly upsetting and distressing time.

“If you witnessed this collision, have CCTV footage or walked past the alleyway off Parramatta Street around the time that it happened, please get in contact with us.”

You can contact police on 101 quoting log 1666 of July 26.