Tributes paid as man killed in horror South Yorkshire road crash is named locally

A man who died in an horrific South Yorkshire road crash alongside his pet dog has been named locally as 66-year-old Graham Cloke.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Mr Cloke was travelling uphill along Pleasley Road towards Aughton when his black Mazda 3 was involved in a head-on collision with a grey Mercedes travelling downhill towards Whiston.

The collision occurred near the entrance to Ulley Country Park just before 8am on Tuesday, March 9.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Graham, whose nickname was Closh, was pronounced dead at the scene as was his dog while a 57-year-old man behind the wheel of the Mercedes was taken to hospital with a stomach injury.

Two cars collided on the A618 Pleasley Road, between Whiston and Aughton, on Tuesday morning.Two cars collided on the A618 Pleasley Road, between Whiston and Aughton, on Tuesday morning.
Two cars collided on the A618 Pleasley Road, between Whiston and Aughton, on Tuesday morning.

A fundraising page set up for Graham’s family can be found at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/we-lost-an-amazing-man-graham-cloke-closh.

The day after the crash, South Yorkshire Police appealed for members of the public who witnessed the incident to get in touch.

A spokesperson said: "Traffic officers are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage after a man and his dog died in a collision in Rotherham yesterday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Shortly before 8am, a black Mazda 3 was travelling uphill on Pleasley Road towards Aughton, when it was in a collision with a grey Mercedes travelling down the hill in the opposite direction.

A man died in a collision on Pleasley Road , Whiston, yesterday. Picture Scott MerryleesA man died in a collision on Pleasley Road , Whiston, yesterday. Picture Scott Merrylees
A man died in a collision on Pleasley Road , Whiston, yesterday. Picture Scott Merrylees

“Sadly, the 66-year-old man driving the Mazda died at the scene. His dog, who was travelling in the back of the car at the time of the crash, also died.

“The driver of the Mercedes, a 57-year-old man, is currently in hospital recovering from an injury to his stomach.

“Police are keen to hear from anybody who was in the Aughton area yesterday morning and witnessed the collision, or the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to this.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who captured either vehicle on dash-cam footage or CCTV.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.