Tributes paid to 'diamond of a man' who died after being hit by car while walking on M67 motorway

Tributes have poured in for an 'amazing' man who died after being hit by a car while walking on the M67 in Tameside.

Chris Gaffney, 34, was tragically pronounced dead at junction 3 of the motorway near Hyde on Sunday evening (January 2).

Emergency services had rushed to the scene at around 8pm, after police were called to reports of a male walking on the westbound carriageway.

READ MORE: Pedestrian killed on M67 latest tragedy on Greater Manchester's roads

Despite the best effort of paramedics, Mr Gaffney sadly couldn't be saved.

A male driver stopped to help police, but no arrests have been made.

Emergency services were called to junction 3 of the motorway near Hyde (Manchester Evening News)

An investigation has since been launched into the circumstances surrounding Mr Gaffney's death by Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Incident Unit.

Since news of his death broke, dozens of friends and former colleagues have posted tributes to Mr Gaffney on social media.

He has been described by pals as a 'diamond of a man' and an 'amazing person.'

One friend wrote on Facebook: "Can't believe I'm waking up to absolutely sad news will miss u (sic) mate."

Another posted: "Thoughts are with Chris Gaffney family (sic) absolutely gutted diamond of a man."

A former colleague said: "RIP Chris Gaffney sad sad sad working with this guy good few years bk (sic) was so funny on the demo can't believe one of my old work pals as left us at the start of a new year.

"So so sorry to his family and close friends god bless bro fly high bro."

Another pal wrote: "RIP Chris Gaffney what sad sad news thinking of all your family and friends."

Another posted: "RIP Chris you was an amazing person and I’m so glad I knew you."

A friend added: "I have known Chris since he was around fifteen years old. Not seen him in recent years but he was a lovely man and loved his family. It's heartbreaking."

Another said: "RIP Chris, so heartbreaking. Sending love n (sic) strength to family and friends."

The M67 was shut eastbound between junction 3 and junction 4 at Mottram for several hours on Monday (January 3) while emergency services responded to the incident.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should call police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 2240-02/01/2022.

Information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.