Tributes to ‘unforgettable’ Matthew Drakett killed in horror bike crash
Tributes have been paid to the 19-year-old victim[1] of a horror crash in Swallownest who has been pictured for the first time.
Matthew Drakett[2] died during a crash between a van and a motorcycle on Wednesday, November 15. Emergency services[3] rushed to the scene on Aughton Road in Swallownest[4] shortly before 1.30pm.
It is reported there had been crash between a silver van and a motorcycle which South Yorkshire Police[5] said had caught fire during the collision and the biker died at the scene. Tributes have been paid to the 19-year-old rider, named locally as Matthew Drakett, and a vigil was held at the scene on Wednesday evening.
A family member wrote on Facebook: "Rest in peace my Angel, you will forever and always be my best friend, partner in crime, I love you ever so much. If I could turn back time and swap places and give you a second chance at loving your life I would.
"You lived your life to the best anyone could ever, and the stories I’ve been told have left me with nothing but unforgettable memories, you’re my forever Angel, you will be missed massive amounts. I will always love you Matthew forever and always. My brightest star in the sky."
Fireworks were set off at the scene of the crash on Aughton Road last night as friends and family held an emotional vigil to remember the teenager. A friend wrote on social media: "Rip family, know you're loved bro. Forever young. See you again one day cuz."
No other injuries were reported at the scene and police remained on Aughton Road on Wednesday night and throughout Thursday as their investigation continued.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: "We were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a silver van on Aughton Road in Rotherham at 1.24pm this afternoon (Wednesday, November 15). The motorcycle caught fire as a result of the collision.
"The rider of the motorcycle, a 19-year-old man, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. No further injuries are reported and the driver of the van remained at the scene and is assisting our enquiries."
If you have any information which could help in the investigation, you can contact the police via their online portal or by calling 101. You should quote incident number 413 of November 15.
YorkshireLive has launched a WhatsApp community and anyone who joins will get the latest breaking news and top stories sent direct to their phone. To join click here.[7]
References
- ^ the 19-year-old victim (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Matthew Drakett (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Emergency services (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Swallownest (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ South Yorkshire Police (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ Tributes to Matthew Drakett, 19, who died in Swallownest motorbike tragedy (www.examinerlive.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.examinerlive.co.uk)