Mother's tribute to son struck by lorry in Quarry Bank
The grieving mother of a 26-year-old who died when he was struck by a lorry in the Black Country has paid tribute to him, saying he will be 'missed forever and a day'.
Sartaj Aziz, from Brierley Hill, was knocked down in Thorns Road, Quarry Bank, on August 20.
Garret Fitzpatrick, 27, from Brierley Hill has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the tragedy.
Mr Aziz's mother was too upset to speak about her son's death but has now issued a statement through West Midlands Police.
She thanked well-wishers for the support they had given her since his death.
She said she was 'very proud' of her son and said he was 'well-respected' in the area.
"I would like to thank everybody for their beautiful flowers, cards, thoughts and prayers at this tragic time.
"Sartaj was 26 years old. He was highly thought of and well respected, by not only his friends and family, but the larger community in the Lye area. I was very proud of my son and he will be missed forever and a day," her statement said.
Floral tributes have been placed on a lamppost outside the Formula 1 Hand Car Wash in Thorns Road where Mr Aziz was knocked down.
Friends have also set up a Facebook page in his honour and are asking for donations to cover the costs of his funeral.
A card with one of the floral tributes read: "You will be truly missed by everyone who knew you and loved you."
Another tribute read: "I will always be thinking about you every single second. I cannot believe you are gone."
It comes as detectives refreshed their appeal for witnesses to the crash which happened at around 3.30pm on August 20 to get in touch to help with the investigation.
After the crash, the dual carriageway, near the Merry Hill shopping centre, was closed in both directions while police carried out their investigations and the force helicopter circled the scene.
The route was closed for around seven hours. Fitzpatrick, of Bank Street, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 29. He will next appear at a hearing on November 7.
Witnesses should call 101.
Leave your tributes to Sartaj Aziz in the comments below. Discussion of the incident will not be published.
