Dad killed in Leeds hit and run 'lived and breathed his IVF miracle son'

Daily Mirror

01-05-2025

A cyclist killed in a suspected hit-and-run crash which saw the vehicle later burnt and abandoned has been described as a loving father.
John Shelton, 48, died at the scene after being hit by a white Volkswagen Golf on a single-carriageway near Micklefield, Leeds on Monday. The drivers who were travelling in the same direction as the dad of one failed to stop at the scene, police say.
Their vehicle was later found abandoned and burnt out. Two males have since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, confirmed West Yorkshire Police.
In a tribute, Mr Shelton's devastated wife Lucy said: "John has been tragically taken from us following horrific circumstances of his death and life will never be the same again. He was a much loved dad, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague. He will be remembered as one of a kind and we will cherish our memories and they will live on as we navigate supporting our son with a life without his dad."
The collision happened at around 2pm on Monday when Mr Shelton was riding along a long and straight single-carriageway section of the rural road. The Golf was found abandoned in the Potternewton area of Leeds, approximately 10 miles away.
Mr Shelton, who was from Wigan, Greater Manchester, "would always try and help family," his wife continued. In a statement released via West Yorkshire Police, she added: "John had a warm heart and would always try and help family, friends and colleagues.
"He lived and breathed for our five- year-old son who was our IVF/ICSI miracle and we were making plans over the coming months to make memories with our son."
Officers from the Major Collison and Enquiry Team (MCET) are continuing to investigate Monday's collision. Detective Inspector Paul Conroy of the Major Collision and Enquiry Team, said: "Our hearts go out to John's family at what is a desperately sad time, and I want to reassure the public that we have multiple active enquiries ongoing into this incident.
"Two people have been arrested and released on bail, but we continue to strongly urge anyone who can assist our investigation into this hit and run collision to come forwards. Information and footage from the public is always vital in these enquiries and I want to thank those who have spoken with us so far."
The investigation comes as a six-year-old girl who was hit by a Range Rover died in hospital on Tuesday. She was struck on a residential road in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on Monday night.