HEARTBROKEN families have paid tribute to two “thoughtful” and “cherished” young men who died in a road accident.
Best friends Harry Atkinson, 20, and Lewis Meeson, 21, were killed after their off-road motorbike collided with a vehicle in Oldham, Greater Manchester, on Good Friday.
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Police were called to High Barn Street in Royton after receiving reports of an accident just after 11am on the first day of the bank holiday weekend.
Emergency services tried desperately to save both young men but the pair suffered critical injuries and died at the scene.
In a moving tribute, Harry’s family remembered the plumber as much-loved family member to many.
In a statement, they said: “His life and his death will touch many people – most of all those who love him dearly.
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“Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life – happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.
“We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend’s lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident.
“Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone’s kind words and support.
“Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way.”
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Lewis’ family say they have been “completely devastated” by the loss of their “beloved” young man.
They said: “We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.
“This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.
“The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time. ”
A GoFundMe page has been made to raise money to help the families with impending funeral costs.
A charity football match will be dedicated to honour the memory of both lads.
Sergeant Phil Shaw, of the Greater Manchester Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, extended his sympathy to the loved ones as they process their loss.
He said: “My thoughts go out to the families of the two young men who have tragically lost their lives today after this awful incident.
“We are doing what we can to understand how this collision came to be to ensure that the families of both victims are given the answers they need, and our specialist officers are offering them support at this devastating time.
“If you were in the area shortly before 11am and have dash-cam footage, or may have seen the vehicles involved in this collision, then I urge you to contact us so we can piece together as much information we can to establish the circumstances of this morning’s events.”
Anyone with information should call police on +44161 856 4741 quoting incident 1045 of 15/04/2022.
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