Andy Roche is the last resident in a doomed estate – but he refuses to leave the home he has lived in for 28 years.

A lone tenant is holding up plans to bulldoze a deserted corner of a doomed council estate after refusing to leave the only occupied flat among 126 homes earmarked for demolition.

Andy Roche, 51, is the final resident living in Zedburgh, one of seven 1960s apartment blocks at the Lower Falinge estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, which are facing the wrecking ball.

Six of the seven blocks have already been completely emptied, leaving Andy’s one-bedroom flat as the only occupied property in the 126 homes due to be demolished.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wants to flatten the blocks and replace them with up to 270 new homes as part of a major regeneration scheme.

But Andy, who has lived in his flat for 28 years, has dug in his heels and insists he does not want to move.

He lives at the property with his partner, who is also autistic, and says they have specific needs which have made finding suitable alternative accommodation difficult.

The unemployed 51-year-old pays just £95 a week for the flat and says he still loves living there despite the increasingly deserted surroundings.

He says the estate’s green spaces, lack of traffic and familiarity of the area make it home.

Andy said: “We don’t want to leave this area – it’s where I’ve lived all my life since leaving my parents’ home.

“There’s never any trouble, and we like all of the green space.

“Because we’re both autistic, we have very specific needs when it comes to things like noise, smells and lights.

“We’ve given RBH a list of our housing needs – but they seem to be ignoring it.”

Andy claims some of the properties suggested by RBH would not meet those requirements, including one next to a pub and another close to a metalworks.

The standoff has left Andy and his partner living in increasingly eerie surroundings, with their flat surrounded by boarded-up windows and empty walkways.

Lower Falinge was built from 1968, with its deck-access blocks completed in stages into the early 1970s.

Today, Zedburgh is surrounded by six empty blocks – Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe and Vaynor.

Across the communal grassland, once-busy homes now stand empty behind sheets of plywood as the estate waits for its next phase of redevelopment.

Andy said the deserted surroundings had created an “eerie” atmosphere and left the couple feeling increasingly isolated.

He said: “We feel isolated. We worry about people breaking in when we’re out of the flat.”

Andy also claims people have started hanging around the empty estate since residents moved out and suspects some may be involved in drug dealing.

With neighbouring properties no longer being heated, he says his own home has also become colder and more expensive to keep warm.

He added: “When I hear someone outside, I think – have they come with machines to knock us down?

“When I hear the letterbox, my heart sinks because I think there’s going to be a letter saying that they’re taking us to court.

“This has been going on for so long that I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to live here before.”

Andy and his partner were served with a notice seeking possession in January as RBH attempts to move them out.

He described the situation as “so distressing”.

Andy said: “I can’t understate that. It’s almost a matter of life and death with how distressing it is.”

The latest regeneration plans come less than a year after campaigners successfully challenged an earlier attempt to demolish six of the blocks.

RBH had sought prior approval for the demolition, but residents challenged the decision through a judicial review and won.

The housing association has now returned with a wider proposal which also puts Zedburgh in the firing line.

RBH says the seven blocks have reached the end of their lifespan and can no longer provide the safe and warm homes residents need.

But Andy has questioned why other buildings from the same era have been refurbished rather than demolished, including work to address damp and mould.

Regeneration of Lower Falinge began in 2012 and RBH says three completed phases have already delivered 100 new homes.

The result is a stark divide between newly built properties and rows of boarded-up flats awaiting demolition.

In 2016, then-prime minister David Cameron famously described Lower Falinge as a “sink estate”.

RBH has not revealed a specific cost for the latest phase of the regeneration.

However, the housing association secured £55 million in new bank funding in January to invest in existing homes and support regeneration projects across Rochdale.

The plans include improved public spaces and better walking and cycling links to Rochdale town centre.

But while several other blocks earmarked for retention remain occupied, residents facing housing pressures have questioned why empty properties cannot be brought back into use.

Mum-of-six Gemma Lucas, 32, has spent three years living in temporary accommodation while waiting for a permanent council house.

She said: “We’re in a housing crisis – but those blocks are just sitting there empty waiting to get knocked down.

“Why can’t people move into them?”

RBH plans to submit an outline application for the redevelopment to Rochdale Council.

If approved, a further detailed application would still be required before demolition or construction work could begin.

An RBH spokesperson said: “We understand this is a very difficult situation for the customers involved, and we have been and will continue to work with them and their representatives to support them with finding a new home that meets their needs.

“The regeneration of Lower Falinge has been in progress over several years, in consultation with residents throughout.

“The seven blocks identified for demolition have been empty for several years and have reached the end of their life and can no longer provide the safe, warm homes our customers want and need to live healthy lives.

“We remain absolutely committed to supporting the one remaining household to move into suitable alternative accommodation.

“Since June 2025, we have made five offers of new homes, including properties within Lower Falinge and nearby. We will continue to provide tailored practical and financial support throughout the move alongside our partners.”

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A number of people have died and four people have been taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in County Kildare.

The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 at about 03:00 local time on Sunday.

Gardaí (Irish police) said a vehicle had been travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway when a head on collision occurred with a second car. They said there were a “number of fatalities”.

The driver and front passenger, both female and aged in their 30s, of the second car have been removed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital and both remain in critical condition.

A female rear seat passenger, aged in her 20s, was taken to St. Luke’s General Hospital and is in a serious condition.

The third passenger, who is a child, has been removed to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and is in a serious condition.

The section of the M9 from Junction 3 to Junction 4 northbound and southbound remains closed with local diversions in place.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ have reported that gardaí said there was no pursuit taking place when the collision occurred.

Gardaí said Fiosrú (the Office of the Police Ombudsman) has been notified of the incident.

Fiosrú’s on-call team of investigators attended the scene and an independent investigation is ongoing.

The watchdog said a Fiosrú investigation relates to incidents involving contact with gardaí where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured.

It said a referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing.

“Instead, it means that Fiosrú should independently investigate the incident to ascertain whether or not the act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person,” it added.

Two people died and and hundreds were evacuated after two fires broke out “almost simultaneously” on a Greek island near Athens on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

About 200 firefighters were deployed to keep the twin fires from converging on the island of Salamina, which was under a high wildfire risk on Sunday.

The first blaze was reported at 14:40 local time (11:40 GMT) near the island’s south coast and spread rapidly due to high winds, followed by a separate fire some 20 minutes later in the east. Their cause is not yet known.

One of the fires had been brought under control and evacuations completed by Sunday evening, Greek media report, with 500 people having left the island by sea.

The first blaze broke out in a forested residential area in Peristeria, a southern city on the island, fire official Vasilios Vathrakoyannis said in a statement.

Firefighters attending the blaze found two bodies at the scene, he said. The city’s mayor told Greek media they were believed to have been a couple.

Firefighters continued to battle scattered blazes there late on Sunday, while the second fire which began in the eastern town of Selinia was said to have “no active front”.

Two coast guard vessels and a fire department vessel will remain in the area for surveillance and assistance.

At least 10 other people suffered burns or showed “symptoms of smoke inhalation”, five of whom had been taken for treatment locally, Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiades said on X.

A number of aircraft and 50 fire engines, assisted by water tankers and construction machinery, were deployed to try and tackle the two fires.

Salamina Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis earlier said this was to keep the fires from burning over a mountain on the island and meeting to form a single blaze.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for about £65m

The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is set to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions.

The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days.

Rodri made 298 appearances across seven trophy-laden seasons at City after joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club record £62.8m.

He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and parts of last season were disrupted by a hamstring issue.

However, he was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.

Rodri leaves City having won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2022-23.

A Welsh fire service chief has stated that fire crews are working on six serious blazes in south Wales, currently. As South Wales Fire and Rescue (SWFRS) continue to deal with 14 as a whole, six locations are “areas of significant focus,” on Sunday, August 16.

Those areas are:

• Blaenavon
• Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil
• Darran Park, Ferndale
• Cwm, Ebbw Vale
• Wattsville
• Treherbert

The service is bringing in helicopter and drone support, while the ongoing response continues to be supported by several fire and rescue services from across the UK and teams from the British Army are deployed on the ground, creating fire breaks and clearing vegetation.

Military assistance is also helping with logistics, including the transportation of large quantities of firefighting water to the incident ground. This effort is proving highly effective and is helping us sustain operations during this period of heightened demand.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery, Matthew Jones said: “The support provided by our military colleagues during this wildfire has been exceptional. Their professionalism, commitment, and willingness to work alongside our firefighters have made a real difference in what has been a challenging and demanding incident.

“From supporting our operational activity on the ground to helping us protect communities and manage the wider response, they have shown exactly what can be achieved when emergency services and the military work together. On behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to thank everyone involved for their outstanding support.”

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The SWFRS also stated that they are asking the public for help and to play their part in helping prevent further wildfires by asking residents, landowners, and visitors to:

• · Report any suspicious behaviour or deliberate fire setting to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
• · Only call 999 if you have a new emergency to report to the Fire Service
• · Do not use disposable barbecues
• · Avoid using firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks
• · Close your windows and doors if you are affected by smoke
• · If your health is affected by smoke, please seek appropriate medical guidance
• · Follow advice from emergency services and local authorities
• · Avoid incident areas and follow any local traffic diversions
• · Do not fly drones near incidents as can disrupt operational activity

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones

Tributes have been paid to a ‘down-to-earth’ man who died suddenly at home. Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements.

Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

(Scottie) Passed away suddenly at home on 5th August 2026. Scottie was a down-to-earth man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a loving and devoted Dad to Juliette, Oliver and Matilda, and a much-loved Grandad to Louis. Scottie’s passing has left a great sadness for his family, who will hold close the many memories they shared with him. A private family service will take place. For any further details, please contact the family directly.

Of Orwell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd 2026, in Addenbrookes Hospital, aged 96 years. Beloved husband of the late Doreen, loving father of Elizabeth and Gary and sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service on Tuesday, August 25th at 12-30pm at Cambridge City Crematorium, East Chapel. No flowers by request, donations are gratefully accepted for The Royal Papworth Hospital Charity which may be made via his ‘donate in memory’ page at www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk or cash donations may be given at the funeral.

Of Melbourn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd 2026, in a care home in Melbourn, aged 94 years. Beloved husband of Pat, loving father of Suzanne and Gregory and a much-loved grandfather and great grandfather. Ken will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends. A private burial will take place. A Service of Thanksgiving for Ken’s life will be held on Wednesday August 26th at 12noon at Melbourn United Reformed Church. Family flowers only please, donations are gratefully accepted for Alzheimer’s Research UK and may be made via his ‘donate in memory’ page at www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk or cash donations may be given at the service.

of Sawston and formerly of Hildersham, passed away suddenly at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Sunday 26th July 2026, aged 58 years. Beloved partner of Sarah, much loved son of the late Reuben and May Dry, dearly loved brother of Maggie, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, son-in-law, and friend. Maurice will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Service at Cam Valley Crematorium, Great Chesterford, CB10 2FE on Friday 4th September at 11.30am. If wished, please wear a touch of red. Family Flowers only please, but if wished donations may be made payable to British Heart Foundation or East Anglian Air Ambulance sent c/o H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.

Sadly passed away at home on Monday 13th July 2026 aged 61 years. The funeral service in memory of Craig will be held at Peterborough Crematorium on Monday 24th August 2026 at 09:30am. For any enquiries, please contact Central Co-op Funeral Service, Fitzwilliam Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RX Tel: 01733 763366

(Philip) Suddenly at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge on Saturday 25th July 2026, Howard aged 76 years. The dearly loved husband of Jackie, a devoted father and grandad, adored brother, uncle, great uncle, neighbour and friend. Funeral service and interment at The Arbory Trust, Barton on Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations in Howard’s memory for The Fire Fighters Charity, can made at the service or online to the charity https://firefighterscharity.tributefunds.org.uk/In-Memory/Howard-Morley Funeral services entrusted to Woodland Wishes Funeral Services, 4 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. Tel:01223 880002

Of St Ives, formerly of Soham, went to be with the Lord, on August 5th 2026 aged 81 years. Dear Husband of Sheila for 61 years, Loving Brother of Margaret and Uncle of Mark and Stuart. Richard worked at Cambridge Magistrates Court for 27 years. A Thanksgiving Service to take place at Huntingdon Crematorium, on Friday September 11th 2026 at 12 Noon, followed by Interment at Ramsey Road Cemetery, St Ives. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to Through Faith Missions or Ely and District Cat’s Protection, may be sent c/o Easton and Cook Independent Funeral Service, 2B Harding Way, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WR, Tel 01480 301400

(Sue) Peacefully passed away on the 1st August 2026, aged 74 years. Beloved Wife, Mother and Nanny who will be sadly missed. A Church service will take place on Tuesday 18th August at 2.30pm at St Laurence’s Church, Foxton, CB22 6RP Family flowers only please. If desired, donations for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (ACT) may be made via Sue’s In Memory Page at www.newlingsofroyston.co.uk or sent to Newlings of Royston, Fish Hill, Royston SG8 9LB Tel: 01763 242375

Died peacefully at Addenbrookes Hospital on 28th July 2026. She was a beloved wife the late Stuart, and loving mum to Lynne and Dawn and mother-in-law to Peter and Nigel, special grandma to Eleanor, Annabel and Charlotte and great-nanna to Thaddeus, Milo and Rafi. The funeral service and celebration of her life will be at 11.30 am at The Salvation Army Hall, Cottenham on Monday 24th August 2026. Family flowers only, but donations to Camsight and RNIB Talking Books can be made at the service or sent c/o Richard Stebbings Funeral Services Limited, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9YS

In Memoriams

In loving memory of my dear mum, who died August 14th 1992. Also remembering my dear auntie Edna Fisher, who died September 5th 2012. Love and miss you. Paula

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

In a renewed diplomatic effort to advance the stalled Gaza ceasefire, U.S. negotiator and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held a rare meeting with the Hamas chief on Sunday.

Kushner is slated to meet with Israel’s prime minister on Monday in discussions aimed at saving a 15-point, U.S.-backed roadmap that requires Hamas to disarm in Gaza and Israel to pull back its forces from the war-torn Palestinian territory.

At stake is the survival of approximately 2 million people in Gaza and the rebuilding of the densely populated enclave, which remains mostly under the control of Israeli forces more than 10 months after the ceasefire halted major military operations. A meeting last year between Kushner, fellow envoy Steve Witkoff, and Hamas leaders in Egypt helped secure the original ceasefire, which has since stalled over the key requirement of Hamas’ disarmament.

Confirmation of the rare meeting in Egypt with Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayya came from a regional official and a Hamas official, both speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to address reporters. Kushner belonged to a three-member envoy delegation meeting al-Hayya, alongside mediating officials from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the 15-point roadmap last week in a rare show of defiance toward the Trump administration, Israel’s chief ally.

Kushner, former British prime minister Tony Blair, and Nickolay Mladenov—director of the U.S.-established Board of Peace overseeing the ceasefire—are now scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, according to diplomatic and knowledgeable sources speaking on condition of anonymity.

Ahead of Monday’s talks, several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s rejection of the plan, declaring that “Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza.” Other signatories included Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the ceasefire mediators.

The foreign ministers’ statement also called on the U.S. and the Board of Peace to execute “immediate and concrete measures” to stop any party from blocking the implementation of the plan.

The regional official noted that Kushner’s meeting with the Hamas leader was designed to guarantee the group’s adherence to the roadmap, particularly concerning disarmament, prior to his sitting down with Netanyahu.

A Hamas official stated that the group remains committed and is awaiting mediators to initiate the 14-day negotiation window to establish an implementation schedule. That phase requires all parties to approve the roadmap before starting.

The official added that the Hamas leader insisted Israel cease its attacks on Gaza and pull back to the poorly defined “yellow line” separating the territory before implementation begins. Israeli forces have advanced past that line and currently control around 60% of Gaza.

In May, Netanyahu expressed intentions to expand control to 70%, saying Israel was “tightening the grip” on Hamas “from every direction.”

The White House referred questions regarding Kushner’s discussions to the Board of Peace, which offered no immediate comment. The Tony Blair Institute also declined to comment.

Under the roadmap, Hamas would surrender weapons to a Palestinian technocratic committee designated to oversee daily administration in the enclave. The committee has not yet entered Gaza. However, Hamas has conditioned the surrender of its heaviest arms on the creation of a Palestinian state, a condition rejected by Israel’s government.

The roadmap outlines a gradual surrender of weapons by Hamas while Israeli forces halt attacks and begin withdrawing. Yet Netanyahu maintains Israel will not pull back from any position in Gaza until Hamas is totally disarmed.

This impasse leaves other components of the ceasefire, including reconstruction and the placement of international forces to divide Israeli troops from committee-governed areas, on hold.

Netanyahu faces a challenging Oct. 27 election as he attempts to retain power with a coalition featuring hardline ministers on Gaza policy. The political timeline also overlaps with the upcoming anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that triggered the war.

On Sunday, Netanyahu’s Likud party answered the regional powers’ statement by asserting that “Arab states want to topple” Netanyahu so centrist candidate Gadi Eisenkot and center-left leader Yair Golan “will give them everything they want. That will not happen.”

Marvel fans have been given their first glimpse of Bolton School old boy returning as Magneto in the newly released trailer for Avengers: Doomsday.

The trailer offers a fresh glimpse of the clash between Robert Downey Jr’s Doctor Doom and Earth’s mightiest heroes, while also fuelling speculation over a possible Wolverine return after Hugh Jackman jokingly suggested to Marvel boss Kevin Feige that he could help “round out the cast”.

His comments came as a new trailer for the film was released showing Captain America, played by Chris Evans, cradling a baby in his arms.

It also showed Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom beating away the hammer of Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, and shows Sir Ian as a long-haired version of Magneto.

The trailer opens with a voiceover which says: “Victor was always the smartest guy in every room, he used to be different, he used to be kind, he used to be caring, and then, everything he loved was taken from him.

“I knew he was lost, but I did not realise that he was broken.”

A fight scene between Doctor Doom and Thor is then shown, which ends with Downey Jr’s character saying “hell answers to me, for I am Doom”.

The upcoming film serves as a sequel to 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and is the 39th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

The blockbuster features an ensemble cast as the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Wakandans and New Avengers converge from different universes to face Doctor Doom.

Marvel’s synopsis for Avengers: Doomsday reads: “Universes collide and the Multiverse Saga begins its final chapter in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday.

“Beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and ultimately face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.

“This epic film will lay the foundation for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”

Avengers: Doomsday will be released in cinemas on December 18.

But Marvel fans aren’t the only ones with Sir Ian to look forward to.

Before returning to the big screen as Magneto, the Bolton School alumnus will appear as Jacob Marley opposite Johnny Depp’s Ebenezer Scrooge in Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, one of the year’s most anticipated festive films.

And later this month, audiences will get to see a more personal side of the actor when he joins longtime friend Dame Judi Dench for an episode of Tea With Judi Dench.

In a preview clip, Sir Ian, who was burn in Burnley, recalls being in the “depths of stage fright” while working with the Oscar-winning actress, telling her: “What magic empathy you had.”

The programme will also see him reflect on coming out as gay, campaigning against Section 28 and one of his greatest regrets: never sharing the truth about his sexuality with his parents.

Whether he’s haunting Johnny Depp’s Scrooge as Jacob Marley, sharing memories with Dame Judi Dench or returning as Magneto in one of Marvel’s biggest ever films, Sir Ian is giving audiences plenty to look forward to over the coming months.

Tommy John, who won 288 games during a 26-year big league career and became the first pitcher to successfully return following groundbreaking elbow surgery that later was named after him, has died at the age of 83.

He died at his home in Bradenton, Florida, on Saturday night, agent Mike Maguire said Sunday. He had been in hospice care.

On August 8, the New York Yankees released a social media post in which John wrote that he wanted to say goodbye to everyone, including friends and fans who followed him throughout his career, saying, ‘I will never forget you.’

The Yankees called John ‘a bedrock of our rotation during his time in pinstripes and a longtime favorite of Yankees fans.’

John was a four-time All-Star with a record of 288-231 and a 3.34 ERA during a career that stretched from 1963 to 1989. He pitched for Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees, the California Angels and the Oakland Athletics.

‘Tommy was an exceptional pitcher throughout his career in Major League Baseball, and his courageous role in becoming the first to have surgery that would go on to bear his name can´t be overstated,’ Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, said in a statement. ‘His impact both on and off the field has been felt by ballplayers of all ages and will be for generations to come.’

The left-hander was 31 years old when he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow in 1974, a death knell for pitchers’ careers to that point.

John allowed Dr. Frank Jobe, the Dodgers´ team physician, to replace the ligament with a tendon from his right forearm. Jobe gave the surgery 100-to-1 odds of being successful.

The procedure had been done on others before, although it was usually performed on wrists and hands. John was the first pitcher to have it done on his elbow.

More than 2,600 big leaguers and thousands more amateurs have since had UCL reconstructions, better known as Tommy John surgery. It´s been a godsend for many of baseball´s greatest stars, including two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani, three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander and even Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper.

‘If you put it in dollars and cents, I think there´s no question that Tommy John is the most valuable reconstructive procedure there is,’ Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache told The Associated Press in 2024.

John recorded 2,245 strikeouts but never led either league in wins or strikeouts. He had the second-most wins of any pitcher since 1900 not to be elected to the Hall of Fame.

From 1995 through 2009, John was on the Hall of Fame ballot, but he never received more than 31.7 per cent of the votes, falling well short of the 75 per cent required for election.

Known for his longevity, John was the opening day starter for both the 1966 Chicago White Sox and the 1989 New York Yankees. He won 124 games before his UCL repair and 164 after. His final appearance came days after his 46th birthday. 

John won 288 games for the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Athletics and Yankees

John pictured with his wife, Sally; daughter, Tami; and son, Tommy Jr. back in 1984

After his pitching career ended, John worked as a broadcaster for the Minnesota Twins and Yankees in the 1990s. He managed the Bridgeport Bluefish from 2007-09.

John was hospitalized in December 2020 because of COVID-19 and later had Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which a person´s immune system attacks their nerves. 

John told the New York Post in May 2022 that he was paralyzed in his lower extremities for several months.

John and his wife Sally Simmons had four children: Tamara, Tommy III, Travis and Taylor, who died of a prescription drug overdose at 28 in 2010. The couple divorced in 2013.

Besides his children, he is survived by his second wife, Cheryl, and son-in-law Patrick Mannelly, a retired NFL long snapper who played 16 years for the Chicago Bears.

A fifth person has died following the M9 horror crash, it has emerged.

The Irish Mirror has confirmed that the remains of another young male were found at the scene of the accident on Sunday afternoon.

It had initially been suspected that the crash – at around 3am – had cost the lives of four young males, but sources have confirmed that officers this afternoon found the body of another victim in the wreckage of one of the cars.

All the victims were young males, it is understood.

And we also understand all of the deceased were from the car that was travelling the wrong way down the northbound carriageway of the M9 near Athy in Co Kildare when the tragedy happened.

The car, a BMW, was heading southbound against traffic when it collided with a car carrying four members of the extended family.

Three women in the car, one in her 20s and two in their 30s, were injured, as was a seven-year-old child.

The child is understood to have suffered a broken leg and is being treated at the Children’s Health Ireland Hospital in south Dublin.

The female in her 20s was seriously injured and is being treated in St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny. The two other women are being treated in Tallaght Hospital in south Co Dublin.

Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said: “My thoughts are with those injured in this morning’s collision on the M9. These family members were travelling innocently when they were struck by a vehicle being driven the wrong way down the motorway.

“This horrific incident, following the recent collision on the M50, shows how irresponsible and dangerous driving on the wrong-side of the motorway is. That, of course, should be self-evident, but what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves.

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“As this particular incident has been referred to Fiosrú, the Police Ombudsman, I am constrained in what I can say in detail about this incident, but I know that Gardaí do what they can to stop such vehicles while also taking into consideration all other road users. Gardaí are put in a really challenging situation dealing with such incidents. As always, An Garda Síochána will fully cooperate with the Police Ombudsman investigation which I hope is completed as expeditiously as possible.

“My thoughts are also with all members of An Garda Síochána and the emergency services who had to deal with this awful incident this morning. Such incidents show the difficult work we ask our Gardaí to undertake every day to keep our communities safe.”

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