Dad-of-three killed in East Lancs Road horror crash pictured as family issues tribute

The 40-year-old tragically died at the scene on the East Lancs Road near St Helens

08:42, 10 Jun 2026

Rob Campbell, who died in a crash on the East Lancs Road(Image: Merseyside Police/family handout)

A 'devoted' dad killed in a crash on the East Lancs Road[1] has been named. Tributes have been paid to Rob Campbell, who was tragically killed in a collision on the A580 in Haydock[2], St Helens, on Monday night (June 8).

Officers were called out to the scene at around 11pm following reports of a crash involving a motorbike and a lorry on the westbound carriageway, between Penny Lane and Kenyons Lane South, near to junction 23 of the M6. Motorcyclist Mr Campbell, 40, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police, Mr Campbell's family said: "Rob was a devoted dad to his three beautiful girls and there was never any doubt that they were his whole world.

Everything he did, every choice he made, was rooted in his love for them. Being their dad wasn't just part of his life, it was the very centre of it.

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"He had a kind and gentle heart, the sort of person who made others feel seen, valued, and cared for. He cherished life in a way that was rare, holding onto moments, memories, and the people he loved with a sentimentality that made him who he was.

He felt deeply, loved deeply, and gave deeply. Music was one of his great joys, a constant companion that lifted him, grounded him, and filled his days with rhythm and meaning.

"He leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and kindness. A big-hearted man whose presence made life better for the people lucky enough to know him.

His girls will forever carry his love with them and all of us who knew him will carry the memory of his gentle spirit. Gone far too soon, but never forgotten."

Police statement in full

Officers believe two lorries were involved in the collision - with one in direct collision with Mr Campbell's motorbike, while a second may have been indirectly involved in the circumstances leading up to the crash. Two men have been arrested following the incident.

A 28-year-old man from Widnes, Cheshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, driving while unfit through drugs, and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified limit.

A second man, aged 38 and from Carmarthenshire, Wales, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

The East Lancashire Road at Haydock(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

In a statement issued on Tuesday morning, Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our thoughts are with [Mr Campbell's] family at this incredibly difficult time. An investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage for anything that may assist our enquiries, including footage of the collision itself or the moments leading up to it.

"Front and rear dashcams can often capture vital evidence without the driver realising. We are particularly keen to review any footage showing either of the HGVs or the motorcycle involved in order to help establish exactly what happened.

To assist potential witnesses, I can confirm that both HGVs believed to be involved were towing white trailers. One cab was dark in colour and the other was white with black stripes.

"Although two people have been arrested, we are still very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicles beforehand. No matter how insignificant the information may seem, it could prove vital to our investigation."

Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747 or email [email protected], quoting incident reference 26000456942.

Alternatively, message @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

References

1. ^ East Lancs Road (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ tragically killed in a collision on the A580 in Haydock (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
3. ^ Click here (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)