Tributes to paid dad, 37, killed in tragic car crash near Middlewich

Paul Orange was sadly killed when his Ford Focus was involved in a collision with two HGVs on the A54, Middlewich Road, near the junction with Birch Lane, just after 4.45am on Thursday, January 18.

Emergency services rushed to help, but the 37-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paul’s family have paid tribute to the ‘happiness and joy’ he brought to their lives.

Paul Orange (left) picture with daughter, Iylah (Image: Supplied)

A spokesman for the family said: “We are devastated at the loss of our kind, caring, and compassionate Paul.

“Paul was pleased to have begun a new job just three days before his death, and he was looking forward to an exciting new chapter in his life with his much-loved partner Julia and children.

“Many people will miss the happiness and joy Paul brought into their lives, particularly his daughter Iylah, his mother and stepfather Cath and Ian, his brother Chris, and so many friends and relatives he sadly leaves behind.

“Since his passing, many people's kind and considerate comments and actions have provided us with comfort and support as we continue to deal with our terrible loss.”

Paul, who lived in Bolton all his life, was a skilled upholsterer with almost 20 years' experience. 

He was also a huge football fan, and a keen golfer and snooker player.  

He leaves behind his loving partner, Julia Hopley, his 10-year-old daughter, Iylah, and Iylah's co-parent, Hailey Bleakley.

Scott Wilde, a close friend of Paul for 22 years, said: “It doesn’t feel real. He wasn’t the type of guy to risk his life.

“He was a family man, and he was still at a really young age.”

“We were childhood friends. I will miss everything about him.

“He was very bubbly, and he was always smiling and an all-round decent guy.

“He was very close with his family, especially his brother Christopher who he did everything together with.”

Scott has set up a GoFundMe page in memory of Paul, which has already raised more than £6,000, and organised a hike up Scafell Pike for a large group of their friends on Sunday, February 4.

He added: “Paul’s family are more than capable of taking care of the aftermath, but I just wanted us to try and do our bit for his daughter.”