Police are investigating the death of a hugely popular lorry driver. Gary Rees from Caerphilly was badly hurt on July 4 last year when another lorry driver travelled on the wrong side of the road and hit his HGV head-on.
Mr Rees, who earned a reputation as a "gentle giant" across almost four decades working on pub and club doors in his hometown, was able to leave hospital the day after the Oakdale crash. The 55-year-old dad appeared to be recovering over the following weeks and we interviewed him on July 28 about his experience, but that night he died suddenly at home.
Mariusz Korkosz, who was physically unhurt in the crash, had been sentenced on July 20 to a 20-week jail term after he admitted causing Mr Rees serious injury by dangerous driving. The 46-year-old, who lived in Poland, had 14 years' experience of driving HGVs across Europe. He said he had a coughing fit while moving onto the wrong side of the B4251 and hitting Mr Rees' lorry head-on, but Newport magistrates rejected the claim.
Mr Rees' family have now told WalesOnline that the authorities have informed them his death was caused by the crash. Gwent Police has confirmed it is investigating but we understand that Korkosz, now 47, has left the UK since his jail term ended.
The family said the force has been keeping them informed. Mr Rees' son Macauley, 27, said: "We're still waiting on a few details on whether there's going to be an inquest or trial. But we have had confirmation that dad was fit and healthy before the crash, that his organs and heart were absolutely fine, and that his sudden death was caused by the injuries from the crash. His leg got badly injured in the crash which led to a clot and then travelled."
Hundreds paid their respects to Mr Rees in August as the Caerphilly legend was laid to rest. Mourners lined Cardiff Road in the town centre as a funeral cortege passed through displaying pictures of Gary and loved ones. You can see our coverage from the ceremony here.
A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: "We received a report of a road traffic collision on Parkway, Pen-y-Fan Industrial Estate at around 12.30pm on Monday, July 4, 2022. Officers attended to assist with traffic management and the collision involved two lorries. Personnel from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and the Welsh Air Ambulance also attended. At the time, a 55-year-old man from Caerphilly was taken to University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment.
"A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and later jailed for the offence [of causing serious injury by dangerous driving]. The 55-year-old man sadly died shortly after and further enquires are currently ongoing."
You can read our interview with Mr Rees in July here. Our report on the court case following the collision can be read here.
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