Tragedy as British grandfather is killed in hit-and-run crash in Egypt
A BRITISH tourist visiting the famous Valley of the Kings in Egypt has been killed in a hit-and-run crash with a lorry.
John Traynor, 64, had emergency surgery following the crash, which happened following a sight-seeing trip to Tutankhamun's tomb, but died in hospital a day later.
His long term partner Julie Galbraith, 64, was woken to hearing Mr Traynor shouting “we are going to crash”.
I probably took him for granted a bit. I never realised how much he did until he is no longer here
The great-grandfather was travelling in the front passenger seat of the Thomas Cook hire vehicle with Ms Galbraith and the couple's excursion guide in the back.
Mr Traynor, of Thornton, Lancashire, took the brunt of the crash impact just minutes into the four-hour journey back to their hotel after visiting the world-famous ancient tombs.
The lorry drove off following the smash that left everyone in the car needing medical treatment.
Shocking CCTV of hit-and-run at pedestrian crossing
Mr Traynor's heartbroken family have paid tribute to the popular civil servant and former Labour councillor on Wyre Council.
His son Damien, 44, said: “He was there for everybody, if you needed him, he would be there.
“I probably took him for granted a bit. I never realised how much he did until he is no longer here.”
“He was my mate more than my dad."
Mr Traynor had flown out to Egypt on Friday, November 11 with Ms Galbraith for a fortnight’s break at the popular beach resort of Hurghada.
They hired a car with a driver and guide, before making the 190 mile journey to the Valley of the Kings, where they spent the day taking in the local culture.
The pair had just set off on the drive back through the desert when a lorry smashed into the passenger side of the car.
Speaking about the horror crash, Damien, who also lives in Thornton said: “Julie was asleep so details are tricky - all she heard was my dad shouting: 'We are going to crash'.
“The local authorities have still not found the driver either, well, as far as I'm aware.“
All four people inside the car were taken to Luxor International Hospital, with Mr Traynor bearing the brunt of the impact.
Damien continued: “They operated and I got a call saying he was stable in the intensive care unit.
“But then I got another call later from Julie saying he had died. We still don't know the official cause of death."
The driver and the guide suffered serious injuries, while Ms Galbraith, who is now recovering at home after being flown back home on Sunday, escaped with minor injuries.
Mr Traynor's body is expected to be repatriated to the UK on Thursday while funeral details have yet to be arranged.
The death of the Labour stalwart, who worked for the Department of Work and Pensions, has left his colleagues, family and friends devastated.
The sad news was announced over the weekend by the Thornton Cleveleys Labour group, which paid tribute to a “proud socialist who wore his heart on his sleeve”.
In a statement, the group said: “He will be missed by all in our branch, and our thoughts are with Julie and family at this very sad time.”
Mr Traynor lost his seat on the council in 2007, and last stood in the local elections last year, when Conservatives Ian Amos and Christine Amos were elected.
As well as Damien and Julie, Mr Traynor was survived by his other children Anthony and Anna, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild.