Heartbreaking tribute to dad who died helping woman in wedding row
The family of a "Good Samaritan" dad who rushed to help an unconscious woman, only to then die in a car crash, have paid touching tribute to him.
Chris Marriott had been out enjoying a walk with his wife and two young children, when he was said to have seen an unconscious woman in the street in the Burngreave area of Sheffield. The 46-year-old rushed to help her, leaving his family behind shortly after 2pm on Wednesday. It is believed the woman suffered injuries after violence broke out at an engagement party.
But as Chris, tried to help the stranger he was struck by a car along with the woman and several others, police said. The dad sadly died and his family have now paid tribute to him and said how the circumstances of his death reflected the kind of man he was in life, as he always tried to help people.
The tribute reads: "Chris was a wonderful husband, dad, brother, uncle - and friend to many. He devoted much of his life to helping others including at Sheffield College, Jubilee Foodbank and Debt Advice, Voluntary Action Sheffield, and more recently Community Money Advice and as a trustee of MASKK (Manor and Castle After School and Kids Klubs).
"The circumstances of his death, although tragic and unfathomable to us his family, show the sort of man he was - to go to help rather than to turn away. Chris was also a man of faith who wanted others to also experience the joy he had found trusting in Jesus. We take comfort in these most difficult of times in our belief that he is with his Lord and Saviour, while we mourn his loss. We would urge anyone with any information to share this so that we can understand better the circumstances in which he died."
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In the aftermath of the tragedy, a 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. South Yorkshire Police said he was being held for questioning along with a 55-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said that six other people suffered injuries, including an off-duty midwife who had stepped in to help as well and suffered minor injuries. Another man suffered serious, but not life-threatening, injuries and four others, three women and a man, all suffered minor injuries.
Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrew Knowles, said: "This is an utterly heartbreaking case in which a Good Samaritan, who had stepped in to help a stranger in their time of need, has lost his life. Chris leaves behind a loving family including his devastated wife and two young sons. We are absolutely determined to secure justice for Chris and his loved ones following this horrific tragedy. Increased patrols will continue in the area in the coming days and local people will continue to see officers carrying out enquiries, including going house-to-house to gather witness statements.
"There are people in that community who hold information which is vital to our investigation and have not yet given statements. I want to be able to get to the bottom of what happened for Chris and his family. I need those people with information to do the right thing. If you don't want to talk to us directly, you can use Crimestoppers and remain 100 per cent anonymous."
The shocking aftermath of the smash that killed dad Chris (SWNS)
A number of bystanders and emergency workers tried to lift the car that is thought to have hit and killed ChrisThe family were not the only ones to have paid tribute to Chris, a pal told how the dad used to work for the Sheffield Food Bank Network and he used to run the Food Bank in Burngreave. Ryan Wileman told the Mirror: "He dedicated his life to supporting and caring for marginalised people in Sheffield. Nothing was ever too much for him. He was a great guy. This is utterly heartbreaking. Chris was definitely one of the good guys in the world. He did so much good stuff in the city. Heart goes out to his family."
Chris also worked for Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS) - coordinating food provision across Sheffield during the pandemic. He also provided pastoral support for those involved in front line work. Another former work colleague posted a tribute saying: "He was a truly amazing man. I worked with him. It’s such a shock. Chris was the kindest man. I worked with him and this is absolutely tragic. My sympathies go out to his wife and children."
Christ Central Churches posted: "We are deeply shocked to hear of the tragic death of our friend Chris Marriott from City Church Sheffield…"
They explained how he was a "much loved member" of their church who had been on the staff team. "Chris died doing what so many will remember him for - helping others. He had stopped to help an unconscious woman lying in the street and as he was providing first aid, a car collided with Chris, the women and others… This is an unbelievably awful situation and we are heartbroken for the family…"
If you have any information which could help police, please report this to them either online or by calling 101. The incident number is 459 of 27 December.
They are also keen to hear from anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage. Please email [email protected] and quote the incident number in the subject.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know to Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
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