Tributes pour in for Mercedes dealership general manager killed outside pub

UK motor retailers have left dozens of tributes for a long-serving Mercedes-Benz dealer who was tragically killed while having a quiet drink out the front of a pub.

Aiden Perris had spent almost 20 years working in Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the Midlands, including the last eight years as a general manager at a Mercedes-Benz Retail Group dealership, which became part of LSH Auto UK.

As Perris sat outside a pub in Sutton Coldfield having a drink on the evening of July 25 he was struck by an out-of-control car which mounted the pavement on Boldmere Road.

West Midlands Police arrested a woman at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and detectives have appealed for witnesses and anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage that could help them piece together why the car was out of control.

At the opening of an inquest this week, Birmingham Coroner's Court was told that ambulance staff rushed to the scene but were unable to save Perris' life.

The Dublin-born automotive manager, who had a wife, Victoria, and two young children, Liam and George, would have been 48 at his birthday next month.

Friends have launched a GoFundMe page to raise donations to support Perris' family.  

The inquest was adjourned until any criminal proceedings are complete.

In a statement, his family said: “A tragedy that has taken our beloved Aiden from us, far too soon. Aiden was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving son, brother, uncle and a dear friend to many. As a true Irishman, Aiden always lived his life to the fullest, creating unforgettable memories that we will cherish forever.

“He showed us the value of hard work and will be remembered for the caring, funny and selfless person that he was. Aiden was a family man who’s wish would be for us to pull together and support each other during this time."

The driver was released but investigations are ongoing.

Detective sergeant Rich Evans of from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit told Birmingham Live: "A family has lost a father, a son, uncle and a brother in such tragic circumstances. We are continuing to investigate the collision and ask any witnesses who have not made contact with us to do so. Any evidence no matter how small can be helpful.

"Our family liaison officers will continue to support Aiden's family and our investigation team are working tirelessly to understand how the collision occurred."

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) can be contacted at sciu@westmidlands.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting log 5400 of 25 July.

Among the dozens of comments and tributes was one from Adam McCullagh, an AM Award-winning former colleague of Perris, wrote on LinkedIn: "I had the pleasure of calling Aiden not just a colleague but a true friend and a mate, having worked together for many years during our time at MB, watching him grow from many roles in sales to being my general sales manager and then having the honour and privilege of mentoring him as he took on his first general manager role.

"Those that know Aiden know what a genuinely caring, funny and witty family man he was. A true one off, who will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him."

And Jenny Farnborough, director of sales and operations at Mercedes-Benz UK, said: "Aiden was a great colleague and a fun guy who could be relied upon to do what he said.

Mark Lewis, finance sales manager at Mercedes-Benz Finance UK, added: "He was a lovely man, good with people, serious about his job and family, but never took himself too seriously. I genuinely enjoyed working with him, he was always so supportive."