Graham, 81, was struck by a car while wheeling his bike across a pedestrian crossing on the A57 near Todwick, South Yorkshire, on April 4, 2024. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

The driver had previously admitted causing death by dangerous driving, and was detained for more than 11 years at a hearing that took place at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 21 July.  

Thomas Hamilton, a serious injury specialist solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, who is supporting the Slinn family following the collision, said the case was one of profound loss caused by entirely avoidable circumstances. 

Graham’s daughter Nicola, and son Victor, described their father as “kind to his core” and said his death was “100% avoidable.” 

Graham Slinn

“On the afternoon of 4th April, our dad set out on his bike — something he had loved since his youth, when he used to race. Cycling was a lifelong passion and a shared family activity. He always took safety incredibly seriously and had planned his route to stick to quiet lanes and cycle paths. 

“Despite taking every possible precaution to stay safe — dismounting at the end of the cycle path, waiting for the lights to change to green for pedestrians, and wheeling his bike across the pedestrian crossing — on the day he died, he was hit at speed by a car driven by someone who just kept going, as if our dad wasn’t even there — as if he was nothing. 

“But he was there. He was everything to us. He was our dad, our mum’s husband of 60 years, a granddad to two teenage girls, and a friend to so many.” 

Thomas Hamilton from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “This is a deeply tragic case involving the entirely avoidable death of a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. 

“Graham did everything right that day — taking all the safety measures any responsible road user would. The fact that his life was cut short by someone who should never have been behind the wheel makes this loss even harder to accept. 

“We continue to stand with Graham’s family as they process their grief, and we support their call for greater awareness of the dangers posed by unlicensed and dangerous drivers.” 

 

The family said Graham’s death had left a profound silence at the heart of their home, particularly for his wife, Jaqueline, who had been due to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary just weeks later. 

“Mum and Dad were supposed to be celebrating their diamond anniversary on June 5th. Instead, she is trying to come to terms with the silence and emptiness of a home that’s lost its heart.” 

Graham was a former builder who later supported adults with learning disabilities. He remained active into his 80s — regularly walking his dog, cycling, and performing rock-and-roll across Sheffield. 

“To lose any loved one is a shock. But to lose someone so vibrant, so active, and to know their death was 100% avoidable is doubly cruel. 

“What isn’t wiped out — and can never disappear — is the love he gave. Every second of our lives, we knew he loved us deeply. He supported us in everything we did. He always had our backs.” 

The family also thanked South Yorkshire Police and the legal teams involved in bringing the case to court. 

“We are very grateful to the police for their efforts in securing justice, and we now hope that our dad’s killer will reflect deeply on the pain he’s caused. We also hope that no other family has to experience this kind of heartbreak. 

“He was a wonderful man. This should never have happened.” 

Thompsons Solicitors is supporting the family through Nicola’s membership of the National Education Union (NEU).