by Tributes were paid to a dad “devoted” with six children and a well -known community rugby figure killed in a horror accident on the M6.
Cliff Tamou, of Wigan, had driven a truck on the M6 in the staffshire when he broke down last Thursday (February 27).
The 58 -year -old man was outside the vehicle when a collision involving a Toyota Avensis car took place, between junctions 16 and 15 of the M6 in southern direction. Tragically, Cliff suffered fatal injuries as a result of the accident.
The five-year-old grandfather born in New Zealand was a well-known figure in the female rugby league around the Grand Manchester, having trained and arbitrated. Her daughter, Sarina Tamou, plays for Salford Red Devils.
In a press release published through the Staffordshire police, Cliff said: “Cliff Tamou, 58, who moved to the United Kingdom over 30 years ago in New Zealand and settled in the Wigan region, was a dedicated husband, a father with six children and five grandchildren.
“He was a truck driver for many years and loved to play, wear and train rugby. The family asked that their private life be respected in this very sad time.”
Toyota driver, a 22 -year -old man from Dudley, West Midlands, was arrested for suspicion of having caused death by dangerous driving.
Rugby league teams, including Salford Red Devils and Leigh Miners Rangers, were among those who pay tribute to Cliff.
A spokesperson for Salford Red Devils Women wrote on X: “All at Salford Red Devils have been saddened to learn the death of Cliff Tamou.
“A respected referee, Cliff was a passionate supporter of our female team, with his daughter, sarina much of our team. The club sends their love and their support to his family at such a difficult time.”
A spokesperson for Leigh Miners Rangers RL said: “Leigh miners’ rangers are saddened to learn the death of Cliff Tamou.
“Cliff was widely respected throughout the match both as an arbitrator and coach. Cliff led to the women’s team in 2015 and 2016, and under the direction of Cliff, the team reached the final of the CUP challenge and lifted the plaque trophy in 2016.
“Cliff was also a great supporter of the Masters Ladies team and regularly refereed their matches.
“Cliff was a wonderful gentleman, who will miss all those who knew him, on the field, he was well loved by the players, coaches and spectators, mainly due to the way he argued the games, the clarity of his decisions was clearly heard by everyone on the field.
“Once the match is over, Cliff has always been happy to discuss any aspect of our big game on a pint. We send our love and our prayers to the family, friends and colleagues of Cliff are in our thoughts at the moment.”
We are saddened to learn the death of our Tamou Cliff friend. It was a real pillar of the community game in the northwest, extremely respected by all.
We present our condolences to the cliff family and the wider RL community which had the chance to have known it RIP pic.twitter.com/3tdtmn0u3f
– St Helens RLRS (@sthelensrlrs) March 3, 2025
Cliff worked as a truck driver for Sso Logistics, in St Helens, at the time of the tragic collision. The company has created a GoFundme page to support its family.
An article on the page indicates: “We had a broken heart to learn the tragic accident that claimed the life of Cliff Tamou, a precious employee at Sso Logistics.
“It was universally loved and respected, not only within our team but also in the community in the broad sense as an arbitrator and coach of the dedicated rugby league.
“Cliff leaves behind a woman and magnetic children. To support his family during this incredibly difficult period, we collect funds to offer comfort and assistance.
“Our biggest condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of Cliff. Together, we can show our love and our support to those he cherished the most.”
Staffordshire police say that Cliff’s family is supported by specially trained officers.
Toyota’s driver was transported to hospital with leg injury and face that are not considered to change life or deadly.
Police urges witnesses, or anyone with relevant Dash camera images to come forward. Information can be transmitted to the staff of the Staffordshire at 101 or online, citing the incident of 783 of February 27, or by sending an email to ciu@staffordshire.police.uk
