Family of man killed in hit-and-run crash issue plea for information (From Harrow Times)

The family of a man killed in a hit-and-run crash have issued an emotional plea for information about a suspect wanted in connection with the accident.

9:10am Sunday 16th October 2011 in News

THE family of a man killed in a hit-and-run crash have issued an emotional plea for information about a suspect from Harrow wanted in connection with the incident.

Jason Crane’s mother, Dawn, said his family have been living “in hell” since his death in July and needed closure so they could move on with their lives.

The 40-year-old plumber from Croxley Green was the passenger in a white van involved in a collision with a silver Audi on the A41 in Watford at about 1.20pm on Saturday, July 16.

The father-of-two died at the scene.

Officers said three young men, thought to have been travelling in the Audi, are alleged to have fled the scene on foot before emergency services arrived.

Police are still searching for 22-year-old Thomas O’Leary, of Carmelite Road, Harrow, in connection with the investigation.

Mr O’Leary, who is also known as Tommy, is known to have connections in the western area of Hertfordshire, including Watford and Bushey.

Jason’s mum said: “Every morning when I open my eyes I think of Jason and think of how not only have we been cheated but how Jason has been cheated too.

"He loved life. He had so many friends and meant so much to so many people.

“His children and wife miss him so much. Words cannot describe the void in our lives since he has been gone. We are living in hell.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have information on Thomas’ whereabouts to contact police.

“They really need to speak with him and we need to know everything that happened so we can try to get on with our lives as best as we can, but it is extremely difficult.

“Please, help us and if you know where he is, get in touch with police.”

Mr Crane, the eldest of seven children, leaves a widow, Fay, a 14-year-old daughter and a ten-year-old son as well as his mother.

He also leaves behind his parents-in-law Michael and Pat McDermott.

Fay said: “We all would like some closure on this.

"This man has answers to questions and the police need to speak to him. If you are keeping him in your home, or you know where he is, please get in touch with us.

"Jason’s daughter and son are going through life without their dad and it is so difficult for all of us."

Anyone with information on O’Leary’s whereabouts can contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A reward of £1,000 is on offer from Crimestoppers to any member of the public who comes forward with information that helps to catch those responsible.