Fundraiser launched for Bristol Road crash victim as tributes pour in
A fundraiser has been launched in memory of a young biker in Birmingham who died in a fatal crash. Named by heartbroken friends and family as "Ethan", he died after colliding with a tree[1] in the early hours of Wednesday, September 20.
Police and paramedics were called to the junction of Bournville Lane and Bristol Road, with the emergency service effort including an ambulance crew who happened to be returning to base and witnessed the crash. But the victim was declared dead at the scene.
An online fundraising page[2] has been set up on GoFundMe to raise money for "the send-off Ethan deserves". Its organiser wrote: "As many of you are aware, following the tragic accident of Ethan’s passing, we have been inundated with family and friends wanting to do something for Ethan, so we’ve decided to set up a GoFundMe page to allow anyone who wishes to contribute in their own way."
"We don’t expect anything and this is solely due to people kindly wanting to contribute. We would like to thank everyone for all the messages of support and offers of contributions.
"Also to those who have left flowers, tributes and trinkets near the tree in memory of Ethan. All money will be put towards the send off Ethan deserves.
One person who donated wrote: "Rest in peace big brother". Another added: "Ethan you were a good kid man I miss you bro."
Colourful flower displays and a bottle of tonic wine were also taped to the tree earlier this week on Thursday morning. Pictures of the young victim also lined the tree with blue ribbon along with farewell messages.
One card read: "Eth. What can I say Ethan, you was the love of my life, my best friend all in one. Life just isn't going to be the same without you and that cheeky smile. Until we meet again, all my love always."
Flowers and tributes left at the scene of a fatal crash on Bristol Rd, near the junction of Bournville Lane. The incident happened near the junction of Bournville Lane and Bristol Road on September 20. (Image: Birmingham Live)
Confirming what happened on Wednesday, a West Midlands Police[4] spokesperson said: "There is a road closure on Bristol Road near to Bournville Lane[5] in Birmingham. Sadly a motorcyclist, a man in his twenties, has died after colliding with a tree."
West Midlands Ambulance Service[6] said: "A motorcyclist has died after a crash on a dual carriageway. The incident happened on the Bristol Road in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham at just before 2.00am on Wednesday morning.
"An ambulance crew who were returning to base witnessed the crash and were immediately on scene to provide care to the rider. A second ambulance, a paramedic officer and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic were sent to back up the initial crew.
“The man was moved to the ambulance and received advanced life support and trauma care but unfortunately it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
Got a story in Birmingham or elsewhere in the West Midlands? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
References
- ^ colliding with a tree (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ online fundraising page (www.gofundme.com)
- ^ Bristol Road crash victim was 'love of my life', says emotional tribute near scene (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Bournville Lane (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ West Midlands Ambulance Service (www.birminghammail.co.uk)