Heartbroken partner of a man who died in a collision in Heanor pays tribute
The heartbroken partner of a man who died in a crash in Heanor last weekend has paid tribute to him.
Officers were called around 6.35pm on Saturday 4 September to reports of a BMW which had collided with a wall on Heanor Gate Road.
The driver, James Hopkinson, from Heanor, sadly died at the scene despite attempts by paramedics to save him.
The 29-year-old leaves behind his partner and their young daughter, a mum and step dad, dad and step mum, nine brothers and sisters and a cousin he was very close to, who was like a brother to him.
Paying tribute to her partner, Kirsty Guilar, said: “James was the type of person who would do anything for anyone. He worked non-stop but always made time for his family. We will miss him so much.
“I just had a feeling that evening that something wasn’t right but to be honest the news is still sinking in.
“I’ve tried to explain to our little girl what has happened, but she just thinks the angels are going to bring her Daddy back when he’s better. He always said he wanted to provide a good life for our daughter, and he did. We are absolutely devastated.”
Kirsty has kindly allowed us to share a picture of James. Our thoughts remain with Kirsty and James’ family and friends at this time.
Enquiries are still ongoing into the circumstances of the collision and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Anyone who was in the area at the time and may have information which could help, but hasn’t yet spoken to officers, should contact us on the details below, quoting reference 21000514486.
- Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.
- Phone – call us on 101.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Salcare CEO Completes Epic 500-Mile Charity Cycle Challenge Salcare CEO Don Davis has completed an incredible 500-mile charity cycle challenge, finishing his epic journey at Carlisl read more | |
| First Of Its Kind Support Launches To Tackle Youth Vaping In Derbyshire A new specialist service is being launched in some Derbyshire secondary schools to help young people break fr read more | |
| Are you a victim of anti-social behaviour? Share your experiences and help make a difference. Residents and businesses are being invited to steer the conversation at a new meeting e read more | |
| Alfreton's Waggon And Horses Hosts Beer Festival With Pints From £2.40 A range of cask ales, including five from international brewers, will be available at Waggon and Horses read more | |
| Croots Farm Shop Wins Three Prizes At The Great British Food Awards 2026 Croots Farm Shop outside Duffield in Derbyshire has won three awards at the renowned Great British Food Awar read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
