By DAVID OLASEINDE

Published: 20:01 GMT, 29 December 2025 | Updated: 22:41 GMT, 29 December 2025

Tributes are pouring in for a father who was killed in a crash after celebrating his birthday.  

Peter Cope, 45, died when he was struck by a lorry on the A534 Wheelock Bypass, between Wheelock and Crewe, on December 21. 

The dad had been out in Sandbach town centre with his friend to mark his big day before the tragedy around 3am. 

Peter, from Crewe, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. He has now been described as a caring family man and the step father to his step daughter.   

His family have paid tribute, saying: 'Peter was a devoted father to his five-year-old daughter, a husband, stepfather, son, and brother, and had been out celebrating his birthday in Sandbach town centre with his friend.

'We are devastated by his death.' 

Loved ones have taken to social media to send their condolences. 

One person wrote on Facebook: 'I use to work with Pete, he was such a nice, funny guy. I was so shocked when I heard the news. RIP Pete, my thoughts go out to his Mrs, his little girl and all his family and friends.'

Peter Cope, 45, had been out celebrating his birthday in Sandbach town centre with his friend before he was killed in a crash

Another person similarly wrote: 'A really good member of my gym. I took a lot of time to talk with Pete as he always felt like a chat and a laugh. Thoughts go out to his family.'

Another wrote: 'We all grew up with him and his family around the same area. This is devastating for his family. Thoughts and love with the family.'

One person said: 'My neighbour, had many a laugh with Pete, the kindest guy and most family loving bloke I'll ever know in my life, I'm so sorry your gone mate.

'I'll miss seeing you and having a chat on the front or over the back fence... you were one of life's good ones Pete, I'll miss you mate.' 

Cheshire Constabulary have now asked for witnesses to come forward. 

The force said in a statement: 'Shortly after 3am on Sunday 21 December, police were called to reports of a collision on the A534 Wheelock Bypass between Wheelock and Crewe.

'The collision involved a HGV and a pedestrian. The pedestrian, 45-year-old Peter Cope from Crewe, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

'Police are seeking any witnesses to the collision, or anyone with any dashcam footage, to get in touch with them, by contacting 101 or via cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting IML-2237688.'