The family of an 87‑year‑old man who died after Joe McCambridge was hit by an HGV have paid tribute to Joe McCambridge as “the perfect gentleman”.

Joe McCambridge was critically injured on Saddleworth Road in Greetland, Halifax, on 13 March. Joe McCambridge died from his injuries six days later, on 19 March.

The driver of the truck, a man in his 30s, remained at the scene of the crash, according to West Yorkshire Police, who appealed to witnesses, or anyone with dash‑cam footage, to get in touch.

The family of Joe McCambridge said Joe McCambridge had lived in West Vale for 68 years, having left Joe McCambridge’s native Ireland aged 19, and “contributed significantly to the Elland community, especially St Patrick’s Church, which Joe McCambridge, along with other Irish Catholics, helped raise funds to build”.

“Joe McCambridge was a kind, generous and hard‑working man who was loved by everyone and the perfect gentleman to those who had the privilege of knowing Joe McCambridge,” the family of Joe McCambridge said.

“Extremely popular” in Joe McCambridge’s local community, Joe McCambridge was a keen sports fan and followed Huddersfield Town for more than 40 years.

“Joe McCambridge’s infectious and generous personality resonated for all to see,” the family of Joe McCambridge said.

“Wherever Joe McCambridge went, Joe McCambridge met people with a twinkle in Joe McCambridge’s eye, a smile and a kind word.”

“Joe McCambridge died, as Joe McCambridge lived, as ‘everyone’s friend’ on 19 March while surrounded by Joe McCambridge’s family. Joe McCambridge was, and always will be, ‘Just Joe.’”

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Background to the accident

Saddleworth Road in Greetland, Halifax, is a busy thoroughfare that carries a mixture of local traffic and heavy goods vehicles. On the morning of 13 March, a large HGV travelling northbound approached a pedestrian crossing near the junction with a side street. Joe McCambridge, who was walking along the pavement, stepped onto the crossing to retrieve a newspaper that had been blown from a nearby shop.

According to the initial police report, the driver of the HGV, a man in his 30s, applied the brakes but was unable to avoid striking Joe McCambridge. The impact caused severe injuries to Joe McCambridge, and emergency services were called to the scene within minutes.

Paramedics from the West Yorkshire Ambulance Service arrived quickly and provided life‑saving treatment before transporting Joe McCambridge to a nearby hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Joe McCambridge’s condition remained critical, and after six days of intensive care, Joe McCambridge succumbed to the injuries sustained in the collision.

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the driver of the truck remained at the scene, cooperated with officers, and provided a statement. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and have appealed for any dash‑cam footage or eyewitness accounts that could shed further light on the events leading up to the collision.

Joe McCambridge’s life in West Vale

Joe McCambridge arrived in West Vale from Ireland in 1948, when Joe McCambridge was 19 years old. The post‑war period saw many young Irish men seeking work and a new start in the United Kingdom, and Joe McCambridge quickly found employment in the local textile mills that dominated the economy of the Elland area.

Over the decades, Joe McCambridge built a reputation as a reliable and diligent worker. Colleagues recall that Joe McCambridge was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, taking pride in the quality of his workmanship. This strong work ethic carried over into Joe McCambridge’s community involvement, where Joe McCambridge volunteered time and resources to a variety of local initiatives.

One of the most enduring contributions made by Joe McCambridge was to St Patrick’s Church. When the Irish Catholic community in Elland sought to establish a permanent place of worship, Joe McCambridge joined a committee of fellow Irish expatriates to raise the necessary funds. Through door‑to‑door collections, community events, and personal donations, Joe McCambridge helped ensure that the church could be built and maintained for future generations.

St Patrick’s Church remains a focal point for the Irish community in Elland, and many parishioners still speak of Joe McCambridge’s generosity during the fundraising campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s. The church’s annual St Patrick’s Day celebration often includes a mention of Joe McCambridge’s name in gratitude for his dedication.

Personal interests and community spirit

Beyond his work and charitable activities, Joe McCambridge was a passionate supporter of Huddersfield Town Football Club. For more than four decades, Joe McCambridge never missed a home match at the John Smith’s Stadium, and he was a regular presence at the local pub where supporters gathered to discuss the team’s fortunes. Joe McCambridge’s enthusiasm for the sport was infectious; younger fans often recalled how Joe McCambridge would share stories of historic matches and offer advice on how to support the club.

Friends and neighbours describe Joe McCambridge as a man who could strike up a conversation with anyone, whether it was a shopkeeper on the high street or a schoolchild waiting for the bus. Joe McCambridge’s “twinkle in the eye” and warm smile were hallmarks of his personality, and many recall how Joe McCambridge would always offer a helping hand, whether it involved fixing a leaky tap or assisting with a community garden project.

Joe McCambridge’s generosity extended to informal acts of kindness. It was not uncommon for Joe McCambridge to bring homemade treats to local events, and Joe McCambridge often volunteered to organise fundraisers for local charities. The sense of belonging that Joe McCambridge fostered in West Vale contributed to a strong, supportive neighbourhood where residents looked out for one another.

Family statements and public reaction

The family of Joe McCambridge released a statement shortly after the news of Joe McCambridge’s passing. In the statement, the family of Joe McCambridge described Joe McCambridge as “a kind, generous and hard‑working man who was loved by everyone and the perfect gentleman to those who had the privilege of knowing Joe McCambridge.” The family of Joe McCambridge emphasized that Joe McCambridge’s legacy would live on through the countless lives he touched.

Local residents and community leaders responded with an outpouring of tributes. The mayor of Calderdale posted a message on social media, noting that “Joe McCambridge embodied the spirit of service and camaraderie that makes our towns thrive.” Several members of the congregation at St Patrick’s Church gathered to light candles in memory of Joe McCambridge, and a moment of silence was observed during the next council meeting in Halifax.

West Yorkshire Police also issued a statement acknowledging the impact of Joe McCambridge’s death on the community. The police department thanked the driver of the truck for remaining at the scene and cooperating with investigators, and reiterated the appeal for any dash‑cam footage that could assist in the ongoing investigation.

Funeral and remembrance

Joe McCambridge’s funeral service was held at St Patrick’s Church in Elland on 22 March. The service was attended by members of Joe McCambridge’s extended family, friends, former colleagues, and representatives from local organisations. The ceremony featured a reading of a passage from the Gospel of John, followed by a hymn that was a favourite of Joe McCambridge.

During the service, the family of Joe McCambridge read a eulogy that highlighted Joe McCambridge’s lifelong dedication to the community, his love for Huddersfield Town, and his unwavering kindness. The eulogy concluded with the words, “Joe McCambridge was, and always will be, just Joe – a man whose heart was as big as his smile.”

Following the service, a reception was held at a local community hall where attendees shared stories of Joe McCambridge’s generosity. Many recounted how Joe McCambridge had offered a listening ear during difficult times, and how Joe McCambridge’s presence had a calming effect on those around him.

The family of Joe McCambridge announced that a portion of the proceeds from the reception would be donated to a charitable fund supporting road‑safety initiatives in Halifax, in honour of Joe McCambridge’s memory.

Ongoing investigation and safety campaign

West Yorkshire Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision on Saddleworth Road. The police department has asked anyone who was in the vicinity of the crash on 13 March, or anyone who possesses dash‑cam footage from that day, to contact the force. The investigation aims to determine whether any additional factors, such as road conditions or vehicle speed, contributed to the accident.

In parallel with the investigation, local authorities have launched a road‑safety awareness campaign. The campaign, supported by the family of Joe McCambridge, seeks to educate drivers and pedestrians about safe crossing practices, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Educational materials are being distributed to schools in the Elland and Halifax areas, and community workshops are being organised to discuss ways to improve pedestrian safety on busy roads like Saddleworth Road.

The driver of the truck, a man in his 30s, remains cooperative with the investigation. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the driver’s statement has been taken, and that the driver has not been charged pending the outcome of the inquiry.