Tragedy of drama student hit by car

Jack Braniff

A STUDENT who wanted to be with his family died after he was hit by a car, just three weeks after returning home.

19-year-old Jack Braniff was on his way home after a night out with friends when he was hit by a car as he crossed Middleton Road at around 1am on November 5.

An inquest, held at Heywood Phoenix Centre, heard that Jack crossed the road in a poorly-lit area.

This was compounded by an advertising billboard which obscured Jack's view of the oncoming vehicle, which was driven by Mr Fanning, who was going home from work.

The billboard and a nearby bus shelter were illuminated, which impeded Mr Fanning's visibility as he approached the poorly-lit area.

Mr Fanning had been driving at the speed limit and there was no way he could have avoided Jack.

A witness, Terrie Ryback, said 'there was no way it could have been avoided because Jack just appeared there.'

Dashcam footage from Mr Fanning's car confirmed this.

After being hit, people came to Jack's aid, including Mr Fanning, who had stopped his car and called for emergency services.

He was taken to hospital but died from multiple skull fractures.

Jack, of Hazelwood, Chadderton, had been studying at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, but decided to take a year out to come back home and stay with his friends and family.

He had only been home for three weeks when the accident happened.

Following the accident tributes poured in, flowers were left at the scene, next to the Sun Mill Inn, alongside candles and messages written in chalk.

His mum, Shelley, and dad, Eddie both paid tribute to Jack. They said: "He was a happy child, a really lovely kid, he was one of a kind.

"He always had a smile on his face.

"He was really kind and always had time for young kids and for old people."

Jack was a selfless person and would look after his grandmother who had Alzheimer's.

His family have now arranged a memorial charity night for Jack, which will be held at Newton Heath Working Men's Club on Friday, May 26.

Money raised will go in aid of Alzheimer's and teenage cancer charities.

Coroner Catherine McKenna said: "There is nothing I can say that is going to bring back Jack or make things any better for you, you have my sincere condolences."