Man charged after woman dies in tipper and motorbike crash

Nicola Jane Connolly was a passenger on a Benelli TRK motorbike which was involved in a crash with a Ford Transit flatbed tipper

16:16, 26 Mar 2025

Nicola Jane Connolly, 54, from Runcorn

A man has been charged following a fatal crash involving a tipper and a motorbike. Nicola Jane Connolly, from Runcorn, died after the motorbike she was a passenger on was involved in a crash with a tipper on the A533 Northwich Road in Bartington.[1] The incident happened at around 4.55pm on Friday, September 15 2023.

The 54-year-old lollipop lady and classroom assistant was airlifted to hospital but sadly died [2] from her injuries. The driver of the tipper, a 29-year-old man from Runcorn, was uninjured.

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The rider of the motorbike, Graham Worthington, has now been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Worthington, 54, of Roscoe Crescent, Runcorn, has been summonsed to appear at Chester Crown Court on Friday, May 16 in relation to the charges.

After her tragic death, Nicola's family paid tribute to her.[3] They said: "On Sunday 17th September, Nicola Jane Connolly tragically passed away after being involved in a road traffic collision in Cheshire.

"Nicola was a loving member of the community and the local schools. Her roles as a Classroom Assistant, Midday Assistant, and Lollipop Lady were for her, a devotion rather than a job.

"Nicola was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie, and beloved friend to many. Words cannot describe how much she will truly be missed.

"We would like to thank the emergency services and members of the public for their help during the incident and ask that our privacy is respected at this this difficult time."

Kyle Sanders posted on the ECHO Facebook [4]: "She was such a lovely person who always brightens everyone's day especially the kids of a school morning when doing her lollipop duties, so sad, RIP Nicki."

Lesley Amanda Patricia Young commented: "The lady that was killed in the accident was my cousin and my sister and my brother's cousin RIP Nicky you are always in our hearts and thought's too."

Another, Claire Buckley said: "RIP Nicki, so sad such a lovely lady." While a fourth said Lisa Cooper added: "Rest in peace Nikki, going to miss seeing you and talking to you.

Hearing your infectious laugh and seeing your smile. Will never forget you."

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References

^ A533 Northwich Road in Bartington. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ airlifted to hospital but sadly died (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ Nicola's family paid tribute to her. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ ECHO Facebook (www.facebook.com)
^ liverpoolecho.co.uk/news (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ daily and breaking newsletter (data.reachplc.com)
^ here (data.reachplc.com)
^ Twitter (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^ @LivECHONews (twitter.com)
^ Facebook/theliverpoolecho (www.facebook.com)