A man who died after a 'hit and run' in Rochdale had just secured a new flat and was "excited about the future", friends have said.
Jason Goostrey, 50, was crossing Milnrow Road earlier this month when he was struck by a Skoda Octavia. The car sped off after the crash, with its driver still on the run.
Jason was rushed to hospital following the horror crash on Thursday January, 6, but died of his injuries several days later.
No arrests have been made yet, GMP have said.
READ MORE:
Family friends have now paid tribute to Jason, describing him as a 'pleasant guy' who was very popular in the Belfield area of the town where he hailed from.
Martina Smith, whose dad was close friends with Jason, said: "I live a few doors down from his mum.
"And he used to go round every morning and do her cleaning. and then he would come out and stand in the front garden.
"He was always chatting, whistling and singing and she would pass him a bacon butty through the window.
"That was his routine.
"And he would always throw sweets to my kids when he walked past. My kids loved him. He was just a lovely, pleasant guy."
A brown Skoda had overtaken another car and crossed into the opposite carriageway before turning off Chichester Street and onto Milnrow Road shortly before the crash, at around 4.40pm on Thursday, January 6, police said.
It was this point it collided with Mr Goostrey, who was crossing the road.
The car did not remain at the scene and was later found abandoned on Percy Street in Rochdale.
The investigation is ongoing but no arrests have yet been made, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed.
An inquest into Jason's death was opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court on Tuesday morning.
Martina said: "I work quite close to the scene, and we knew there had been a bad crash, but it wasn't until a good few days later we found out it was Jason.
"It's just devastating. Its had a massive impact on his mum.
"He had been living in a hostel in Rochdale and had just secured a flat which makes it even sadder.
"He was really excited about it, couldn't wait to move in and was looking forward to the future."
Martina has now launched a crowdfunding appeal to help towards the cost of his funeral, which is taking place on Monday (January 31).
The Go Fund Me page says: "As many people are now aware, sadly Jason Goostrey passed away after being involved in a hit and run.
"We are hoping to raise some money to help ease the pressure from his mum Jackie.
"Sleep tight goose on the loose, you will be missed by many x"
Previously fellow family friend, Martina's cousin Roxanne Smith, also paid tribute saying: ""He was in my family from as young as I can remember and he will be truly missed by me and all my family.
"He was a happy-go-lucky guy and you heard him singing before you saw him.
"I hope he gets the justice he deserves. Rip Jason."
A number of other tributes have also been paid on social media one of which described him as 'gentle Jason.'
