Steve Mayo from Ross died on Friday, December 16th when he was hit by a car on a busy Hereford road.

Emergency services were called to the incident near the BP garage on Edgar Street just after 7.10pm on Friday night.

Mr Mayo, who was 46, was taken to hospital with serious head and chest injuries, but later died.

Mr Mayo had been walking towards Edgar Street but was a familiar sight in Ross where he was often seen walking with his friends and his dog.

His family released the following statement:?"Steve was a free spirit and was loved by his family and many friends especially his brother, Patrick, and sisters, Pauline and Jackie.xx"

Police are very keen to speak to two drivers who may have witnessed the accident.

One is believed to have swerved to avoid the pedestrian and sounded the horn and another is said to have turned into Prior Street at around the time that the collision occurred.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Force Operation Support Team at Hereford police station on 0300 333 3000.

An inquest into the death of Mr Mayo has been opened and adjourned. Many tributes have been left to the man called a 'gentle giant' and a 'great friend.' A facebook page has been set up where friends of Mr Mayo have left messages and tributes.

Matt Errett said:?"So many good times that it's impossible to remember them all. Knew him for about 30yrs and he never failed to make me laugh. He'd rob your last pound off you but you always gave it away happily knowing that the next time you saw him he'd do it again and you wouldn't mind at all. He was a great friend and I learnt a lot about life from Steve Mayo so R.I.P mate."

Noa Bayley said:?"RIP Mayo...the gentlest giant I ever had the honour of callin a m8. There's a lot of places that just aint gonna be the same without you and your smile... I'd always have a quid for a brew for you buddy... my thoughts are with your family now. Sleep well bruv. X."

Samantha Barter said:?"RIP Mayo. Always had a laugh and a smile for me. A gentle caring guy who will be truly missed.xxx" And Patrick Mayo said:?"R.I.P Steven, You will be missed by us all. A great uncle and a great friend. Ross will never be the same without you."