MOVING tributes were today paid to a Fylde dad killed in an horrific pile-up on the M6.
Blackpool Victoria Hospital scientist Alan Bullock, 54, was pronounced dead at the scene after he was involved in the major crash with eight other vehicles on the motorway on Monday morning.
His colleague, fellow bio-medical scientist Mark Wrigley – who was a passenger in the vehicle – is currently fighting for his life.
He was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, where his condition was described as serious but stable.
Mr Bullock’s daughter Emily, a former Baines sixth-form student, yesterday posted on her Facebook page: “Sadly yesterday, my dad passed away in a car accident.
“It has been a huge shock to all of our family, and us being as strong as we are will pull through this difficult time together.
She continued: “He was the funniest, smartest and most kind-hearted person I know or will ever know.
“He got taken from us far too soon. Love you more than words can describe dad and your laugh will be in my heart and mind forever, xxx”
Ms Bullock said she was flying home from Amsterdam, Holland, to be with her family.
Hospital staff today described their shock over the tragic accident. Biochemistry manager Keith Nickson said: “We’re all shocked and devastated by the news of this tragic accident.
“Alan was a genuine guy who was well respected by everyone who came into contact with him.”
Mr Bullock had worked at the Blackpool Teachings Hospitals NHS Trust for more than 30 years and had held the position of Biomedical Scientist Team Leader in the pathology laboratory at The Vic since 2009.
Mr Nickson added: “He got on extremely well with everyone from his immediate colleagues to consultants.
“He was extremely passionate about his job and nothing was too much trouble for him.
“His work ethic was admired by everyone.
“It is such a huge loss and we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to Alan’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Mr Nickson added that 50-year-old Mr Wrigley remained in the prayers of colleagues.
He said: “We’re very upset and concerned about Mark and our thoughts are with him, his wife Sue and their family and friends.
“Mark has worked at the trust for over 30 years and is very well known throughout the hospital.
“Everyone is praying he makes a good recovery.
“He is a very tough person and if anyone can come through this, it’s Mark.”
Trust acting chief executive Tim Welch said the incident had sent shockwaves through the hospital.
He added: “We’re all devastated by the news.
“It has come as a deep shock to us all and our thoughts are with their families and their work colleagues at this very difficult time.”
The crash caused chaos on the M6 for much of Monday with queues going back as far as Knutsford, around 25 miles away.
A woman from Sheffield travelling in the same car as the two Vic colleagues was also seriously injured in the crash, which happened near junction 16 of the M6, Stoke-on-Trent.
Two lorries, two vans and five cars, were involved in the collision on the southbound carriageway at around 11.20am. Another man was seriously injured, while seven received minor injuries.
Around 15 people were involved in the collision in total.