'Superhero' Para Dies After 'Devastating' Hit-And-Run

A Welsh soldier described as a "superhero" by his family has died after a hit-and-run in America.

Paratrooper Greg Symonds, 42, suffered "significant" head injuries after he was hit by a car in Santa Monica, California.

The dad-of-two died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center after wife Tamsin, 35, flew from her home in Newport, South Wales, to be at his bedside.

The couple had mostly lived at opposite sides of the Pacific since they married in 2012, with Greg on operational duties in the USA and Tamsin running her business consultancy from Wales. They have two young children together - Bodhi, five, and Bronte, two.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend which has so far raised more than £6,000.

Kyle Burrows wrote: "In loving memory of Greg, a wonderful father - a true super hero to his two children Bodhi and Bronte.

"A brother, a superhero of a husband to Tamsin and our real life Superhero serving in the Parachute Regiment for our country."

"We have been inundated with requests to send flowers, but we thought what might be best is this which will be put towards creating happy memories for his two children as that is what he would have wanted or any bereavement counselling that may help with this devastating loss."

Santa Monica Police Department said the car fled the scene following the collision on March 5.

A police spokesman said: "The suspect vehicle is described as a possible 2012-2016 Toyota Camry; silver in color and 4-door.

"The vehicle may have substantial front-end damage to the driver's side. SMPD has not received any information on the driver or possible occupants of the suspect vehicle."

A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said they are prepared to offer assistance if requested.

The MoD has been contacted for comment.