Great-grandfather, 85, in hit-and-run death while walking dog
A great-grandfather of seven has died after being hit by a suspected hit-and-run driver.
Retired bricklayer Bernard Betts, aged 85, from Cradley Heath, was knocked down while walking his dog Jack. He was taken to Russell's Hall Hospital in Dudley after the crash on January 16 but died last Sunday.
Police hunting the driver said they were looking for a red Citroen seen in the area at the time.
His grieving widow Lilian, aged 83, said: "It has devastated the whole family. I have not been right since. I have not been able to eat. I can drink but I can't eat.
"It's lonely on your own all day. I have not been able to cry yet. I think it's the shock."
The crash happened at around 6.20pm outside the home in Barrs Road.
Mrs Betts's daughter Linda was at her parents' home at the time and discovered what had happened after investigating the commotion outside.
"She did not know it was her dad at first," said Mrs Betts. "She came in and said 'it's dad – he's been knocked over'. I could not believe it."
Mr Betts, who had four children and eight grandchildren, had suffered injuries including a broken spine and broken leg.
Initially he was conscious and was able to speak briefly, but his health deteriorated.
Mrs Betts said Jack, a Jack Russell, was her husband's life and he used to walk him every night at the same time.
The-14-year-old dog ran off after the crash and was found trembling in Hayden Hill Park half-an-hour later.
"I wonder why the driver never stopped," said Mrs Betts, who was married to her husband 64 years. "If a car hits you, it normally stops. He must have known he had knocked him over."
Mr Betts' son Les, a teacher from Stourbridge, said the family's world had been turned upside-down by the death.
His son added: "He was a lovely man. Everyone knew Bernard Betts around here.
"He was a very popular person; very well-liked, very laid back.
"There were a lot of people who knew him round here. It's going to take a long time to move on."
Police are keeping an open mind as to the type of vehicle involved but are looking for the red Citroen seen in the area at the time.
Sergeant Gavin Green said: "We are appealing to anyone who has information about what happened to come forward and contact us.
"Someone must know what happened to Mr Betts and can help us with this investigation. In particular if you have seen a vehicle abandoned with damage, please get in touch.
"We would also appeal to the driver to contact us, they may not have been aware of how serious the collision was at the time and we would urge them to call us immediately."
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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