A pensioner who died after a crash between a car and a pedestrian has been named as former Neath Port Talbot Council leader Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, known locally as Noel Crowley.
South Wales Police were called to a crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Water Street, Port Talbot, on Saturday, December 7. An 86-year-old pedestrian, now named as Mr Crowley, was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries. Mr Crowley died on December 10 at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff as a result of the injuries he sustained.
The crash also involved a blue Skoda Fabia whose driver, a 20-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drugs, driving without a licence and driving a car without due care and attention and has since been released under investigation. Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news. You will receive updates from us daily.
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Now, Mr Cowley’s family has paid a moving tribute to the former councillor and mayor, saying he had “great wisdom and judgement”. They said: “Thomas Philip Noel Crowley, locally known as ‘Noel’ was a well-known member of the community and a devout Catholic. He grew up and lived all of his life in Port Talbot. He met his adored wife Anne in 1954, and they married in 1957.
“He earned his trade as a bricklayer and worked for Hecketts, an American contracting company in the Steel Works, where he was Deputy Manager. He built many things for many people and would be the go-to man for advice, possessing great wisdom and judgement.
“He served the area for many years as a member of St Vincent de Paul, a local councillor, Mayor and Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, hugely supported by his wife Anne.
“His community service was acknowledged by her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she awarded him with his CBE. His other accolades include Deputy Lieutenant, Order of St John, Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice and Freeman of the Borough.
“He and Anne were together for 70 years and they did everything for and with each other. She supported him in everything he did. He was a devoted family man and a key carer for his grandson Sam who has autism, looking after his every need.
“In retirement, he loved to play golf and made many friends during his time as a member of Pyle & Kenfig golf club. He retired from golf a year ago to be with his wife Anne, who has been suffering from ill health.
“He was dearly loved by all his family, of whom he was hugely proud, including his two deceased sons Tyrone and Timothy.
“He greeted everyone with a smile, had a wonderful ability to make you laugh and was a great storyteller. He achieved great things in his life but his greatest gift was the selfless way he loved and cared for others.
“He passed peacefully surrounded by his adored family who loved him so much. No words can explain the loss we are feeling. His memory lives on in us all.”
The road was closed for several hours near Blancos Hotel while emergency services dealt with the crash. South Wales Police are continuing to investigate the crash and anyone who witnessed the collision or who has CCTV or dashcam footage which they believe to be relevant is urged to get in touch, quoting 2400405228.