Tragedy on Merseyside roads as three people die in a month
Tragedy has struck Merseyside roads after a number of deaths in one month.
Three people died in the month of July following crashes including on the M62, the Northern Perimeter Road in Netherton and at the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road in St Helens. The most recent tragedy was on Thursday, July 27 when John Welsh[1] died following a crash on the M62.
Just before midnight police received several reports of a crash on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the motorway, close to Tarbock Island.[2] It was reported a silver Skoda Octavia had collided with a pedestrian on the Liverpool-bound side of the road.
John was treated by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver of the Skoda remained at the scene, along with a number of members of the public who witnessed the incident.
John’s family paid tribute to the 28-year-old, they said: “Beloved son, father and brother who will forever live on in are heart.” Merseyside Police have thanked those who helped at the scene and have urged anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward if they haven’t already done so.
John Welsh’s family have paid tribute after he died in a crash on the M62 (Image: Merseyside Police)
On Wednesday, July 19, at around 11.10pm Vincent (Vinny) Lawrence died after he was involved in a crash while riding his orange Honda motorbike along Northern Perimeter Road[4]. The 48-year-old was pronounced dead despite the best efforts of emergency services.
Vinny’s family have released a tribute which has been sent out by Merseyside police, it said: “In loving memory of Vincent (Vinny) tragically taken too soon. Sadly missed by his, father, brother, sisters, nephews, nieces and his two beautiful sons. Love you forever.”[5]
Vincent (Vinny) Lawrence, 48, who sadly died in a crash on Wednesday July 19 (Image: Merseyside Police)
Two men, aged 25 and 22 from Netherton, were arrested following the collision. The 25-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries and the 22-year-old man has been released with no further action.
Michelle Atherton tragically died on Wednesday, July 5, following a crash. Emergency services were called to the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road at 7am following the crash involving a white Ford Fiesta and a refuse wagon.
Paramedics treated Michelle, who was a passenger, for serious head and chest injuries and then took her to hospital for urgent treatment. The 47-year-old mum-of-four and nan died in hospital a short time later.
Michelle Atherton, 47, died in a crash involving a bin lorry (Image: Merseyside Police)
Her family issued the following statement: “Our mum was the best mum that anyone could have ever dreamt or wished for. She had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room that she graced her presence with. You will be dearly missed by your four loving children, six grandchildren and your unborn grandchild.
“We love you mum. You were taken from us too soon. We will love and cherish you forever and always. Michelle Maria Atherton (known to many family and friends as Shelly). We hope you rest in peace now with your mum.”
Kevin Marsh, 43, of Redgate Drive, in St Helens[6], has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving whilst uninsured.
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References
- ^ John Welsh (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ of a crash on the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the motorway, close to Tarbock Island. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Stalker told woman ‘I’m going to find you, I’m going to drink your blood’ (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ motorbike along Northern Perimeter Road (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Merseyside police (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ St Helens (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)