Tributes paid to church helper killed in road tragedy in Stourbridge

Website: Express and Star
Date: 20/01/2017
Link : https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2017/01/20/tributes-paid-to-church-helper-killed-in-road-tragedy-in-stourbridge/

An Iranian church helper and security guard who was hit and killed by a car will be 'a massive loss to the community', say his friends.

Hassan 'Victor' Darvishvand, 35, was hit by a Toyota Auris in High Street, Amblecote, in Stourbridge at around 2.35pm on October 9 last year.

He sustained head injuries and died later that day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. It happened near to the junction with Vicarage Road.

There are three lanes, two heading northbound to Kingswinford and one southbound towards Hagley.

Mr Darvishvand was a much-loved member of the Jesus Fellowship Church in Newtown, Birmingham.

A statement from Pc Robin Smalley, from the West Midlands Police collision investigation unit, was read out at Black Country Coroner's Court, and said officers preserved the scene and an investigation was carried out shortly after the crash.

He said: "Tests were carried out to the vehicle and it was determined by investigators that there were no defects found.

"It was overcast but visibility was good. The road was in good condition and there were no chemicals or spillages that would have affected stopping distances.

"Braking tests and measurements taken from the skid marks showed that the car was travelling at under 30mph, but over 17mph on the point of impact. The road has a 30mph speed limit. The driver told police that she didn't see Mr Darvishvand come from her offside. There was no CCTV."

A witness said that Mr Darvishvand was wearing sunglasses and earphones, which may have impaired his vision and hearing.

His friend Carol Benton said: "He was lovely, very helpful. He was always there to offer support to people."

Coroner Zafar Siddique recorded a conclusion of death by traffic collision.