Tributes paid to Aston Villa fan after Boxing Day crash death
Tributes have been paid to an Aston Villa fan who died in a crash while driving home from the match on Boxing Day.
Gordon Beattie was driving home from the Villa v Chelsea match on Boxing Day when he is believed to have suffered a medical episode and was involved in a crash on Walsall Road in Perry Barr.
The 69-year-old was pronounced dead following the collision and his family has now released a tribute to him.
The tribute says: "Gordon Beattie sadly passed away on Boxing Day after being involved in an accident driving home from the Aston Villa vs Chelsea game.
"Gordon was a season ticket holder since the mid 70s and was doing something he enjoyed.
"Retired for some years after a career with West Midlands Travel, he had lived the last 12 years peacefully in Droitwich where he made a lot of new friends but remembered his roots and friends in Birmingham too."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "A man who sadly died following a collision on Walsall Road, Perry Barr, around 8pm on Boxing Day has been named as Gordon Beattie.
"Our enquiries are ongoing but we believe that Gordon, aged 69, had a medical episode and do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
"Our thoughts remain with Gordon’s friends and loved ones at this sad time."
