THE family of a man who died after falling from a bridge on the East Lancs has shared a heart-breaking tribute to the 66-year-old.

On Friday, October 25, emergency services rushed to a section of the East Lancs Road, where it later transpired that a man had fell from the overhead bridge.

With the road closed for several hours, police later confirmed that the man had died from his injuries.

With the family of the man contacted by specialist officers on Friday, police have now identified the victim as 66-year-old Jimmy Callery.

Following the tragedy, Jimmy's family have now put out a public statement in tribute to the 66-year-old, while emphasising the importance of mental health.

The statement reads: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Jimmy Callery on Friday 25 October 2024 at the age of 66.

"Jimmy will always be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His kindness, compassion, and selflessness touched countless lives, earning him a special place in the hearts of all who knew him.

"In honouring Jimmy’s memory, we acknowledge the struggles he faced over the last four months with mental illness.

"We encourage everyone to be mindful of the importance of mental health and to support one another in times of need.

"We kindly request to respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time and allow the space to grieve.

"Rest in peace, Jimmy. Your love and legacy will never be forgotten."

Further support can be found here:

  • Samaritans are available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or by visiting their website here.
  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) can be reached on their online hotline here or by calling 0800 58 58 58
  • Mental health services through the NHS can be found here.
  • Local mental health groups such as HIMvisible can be found here.