Tributes paid to Heanor man after he died in crash

Police were called around 6.35pm on Saturday 4 September to reports of a BMW which had collided with a wall on Heanor Gate Road.

The driver, James Hopkinson, from Heanor, sadly died at the scene despite attempts by paramedics to save him.

The 29-year-old leaves behind his partner and their young daughter, a mum and step dad, dad and step mum, nine brothers and sisters and a cousin he was very close to, who was like a brother to him.

Paying tribute to her partner, Kirsty Guilar, said:

“James was the type of person who would do anything for anyone. He worked non-stop but always made time for his family. We will miss him so much.

“I just had a feeling that evening that something wasn’t right but to be honest the news is still sinking in.

“I’ve tried to explain to our little girl what has happened, but she just thinks the angels are going to bring her Daddy back when he’s better. He always said he wanted to provide a good life for our daughter, and he did. We are absolutely devastated.”

Kirsty has kindly allowed us to share a picture of James. Our thoughts remain with Kirsty and James’ family and friends at this time.

Enquiries are still ongoing into the circumstances of the collision and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information which could help, but hasn’t yet spoken to officers, should contact us on the details below, quoting reference 21000514486.