FAMILY and friends turned out in force yesterday to say farewell to Paul Hodge, the driver killed in a collision with a train earlier this month.
The 47-year-old, of Sutcliffe Avenue, Grimsby, died from head injuries when his Volvo V40 was in collision with a train at the Great Coates level crossing on Tuesday, April 9.
Two and half weeks later, mourners gathered yesterday at Grimsby Crematorium to pay their respects to the grandfather and father-of-three.
His casket was carried into the chapel to U2's With Or Without You.
The non-religious celebration of life was led by Lee Grant.
Other songs played during the service were Yellow, by Coldplay, Jay-Z's 99 Problems, and Pride by U2.
The final track was Rihanna's recent hit Diamonds.
Mr Hodge worked on Immingham Docks de-waxing cars, and was on his way home with workmate David Williams in the passenger seat at the time of the tragedy. The 40-year-old, of Cleethorpes, died of multiple injuries.
The train remained upright and on the tracks, as reported, and there were no injuries on the train, as all passengers were safely removed from the 7.26pm TransPennine Express service from Cleethorpes to Scunthorpe.
Shortly after his death, his family described him as a "loving father, grandfather, son and brother who will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved him."
They said: "He was born in Grimsby and returned here after leaving the Forces.
"He was an avid football fan and followed Manchester United. He also served with the First Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
"Paul will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him and this has come with tragic and devastating shock to all of his family and friends."
Inquests into the deaths of the two men have been opened and adjourned to a date to be fixed once the investigation by British Transport Police (BTP) is complete.
A BTP spokesman said a report will be prepared for the inquest and will include more details about the train and the car.
The barriers at the crossing, and CCTV footage from the scene will be examined as part of the investigation.
Witnesses should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, quoting incident number 516 of April 9.
