The family of 81-year-old Graham Slinn, who tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run, have paid heartfelt tribute to a man they described as a “kind soul”.
Mr Slinn was cycling along the A57 near Todwick, Rotherham, around 3:15pm on Friday when he was struck by a dark blue Volkswagen Golf. The vehicle left the scene, prompting appeals from both South Yorkshire Police and Mr Slinn’s family for anyone with information to come forward.
His daughter shared an emotional plea: “We just want justice. If someone could do this to my dad, they could do it to yours too.”
Police released CCTV footage of a car believed to be involved, which had visible damage to the front bumper, passenger-side headlight, and wing mirror.
“If you know anything — no matter how small — about that car or who was driving it, please speak up,” his daughter urged. “You might not think it matters, but it could be the key to helping us find answers.”
Two men, aged 20 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Both have since been released on bail. A 46-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders and remains under investigation.
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting offenders and perverting the course of justice; he is currently in police custody.
Mr Slinn, who grew up in the Gleadless area of Sheffield, was remembered by his family as a gentle, funny man with a heart full of kindness.
He spent his life working hard — first as a scaffolder, then dedicating his later years to caring for adults with learning disabilities. He often went above and beyond, even opening his home to those he cared for.
Mr Slinn and his wife were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary. “Now she’s left with silence, heartbreak, and the unimaginable pain of facing the future without the man who made her laugh every single day,” she said.
Anyone who believes they may have seen a car matching the description or who knows where it may be being stored is asked to get in touch quoting incident number 544 of 4 April 2025.
