Tributes have been paid to a ‘devoted’ dad-of-six who was killed after being struck by a car on the M6.Cliff Tamou had been driving a lorry on the M6 in Staffordshire when it broke down on Thursday 27 February.The 58-year-old from Wigan was outside of the vehicle when he was hit by a Toyota Avensis between junctions 16 and 15 of the M6 southbound. Cliff suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash.The New Zealand-born granddad-of-five was well known in women’s rugby league around Greater Manchester, having coached and refereed. His daughter, Sarina Tamou, plays for Salford Red Devils.In a statement issued through Staffordshire Police, Cliff’s family said: “Cliff Tamou, who moved to the UK over 30 years ago from New Zealand and settled in the Wigan area, was a devoted husband, father to six children and five grandchildren.”He was a lorry driver for many years and loved playing, refereeing and coaching rugby. The family have asked for their privacy to be respected in this very sad time.”The Toyota driver, a 22-year-old man from Dudley, West Midlands, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Cliff was working as a lorry driver for SSO Logistics, in St Helens, at the time of the collision. Credit: MEN Media
Rugby league teams including Salford Red Devils and Leigh Miners Rangers have been among those paying tribute to Cliff.A spokesperson for Salford Red Devils Women wrote on X: “All at Salford Red Devils were saddened to hear of Cliff Tamou’s passing.”A well-respected referee, Cliff was an avid supporter of our women’s side, with his daughter Sarina a big part of our team. The club sends their love and support to his family at such a difficult time.”A Leigh Miners Rangers RL spokesperson said: “Leigh Miners Rangers are saddened to hear of the passing of Cliff Tamou.”Cliff was highly respected across the game both as a referee and coach. Cliff coached the ladies team in 2015 and 2016, and under Cliff’s leadership the team reached the Challenge Cup final and lifted the Plate Trophy in 2016.”Cliff was also a great supporter of the ladies masters team and regularly refereed their games.”Cliff was a wonderful gentleman, who will be missed by all that knew him, on the field, he was well liked by players, coaches and spectators, due mainly to the way he refereed the games, the clarity of his decisions was clearly heard by everyone on the pitch.”Once the game had finished, Cliff was always happy to discuss any aspect of our great game over a pint. We send our love and prayers to Cliff’s family, friends and colleagues are in our thoughts at this difficult time.”Cliff was working as a lorry driver for SSO Logistics, in St Helens, at the time of the collision. The company has set up a GoFundMe page to support his family.
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