Floral tributes to ‘precious boy’, 15, killed on M60

The M60 was shut for hours after the tragedy

Helena Vesty NHS, social care and patients reporter and Cheryl Mullin 14:10, 21 Jul 2025Updated 14:10, 21 Jul 2025

Floral tributes have been laid close to a motorway where a 'precious boy' was killed. Police confirmed this morning that a 15-year-old boy had died on the M60 yesterday, Sunday, July 20.

More than a dozen bouquets have now been placed around an entry slip road to the M60 near Blackley, some carrying heartbreaking tributes to the as yet unnamed teen.

Police tape can also be seen.

One heartfelt tribute reads: "To my angel boy, I can't believe I'm writing this", while another says, "It was only yesterday we [were] making TikToks. I'll forever miss your smile, your jokes, and your bubbly personality. I hope you are at peace now you precious boy.

"I love and miss you so much."

Well-wishers have flooded social media with condolences for the boy and his family.

One person wrote on Facebook: "Heartbreaking. Poor lad. So sorry for the family."

Another tribute read: "I know just how hard losing someone so tragically this way is to deal with.

RIP young lad."

While another message said: "So sorry for your loss, RIP young man. Thinking of all the family at this sad time, fly high young man with all the angels that [were taken too] soon."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has said officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare on the M60 yesterday, July 20 but "Sadly, a 15-year-old boy died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed", reports the Manchester Evening News[1].

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At just after 4.30pm (Sunday 20 July) fire crews were called to assist North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) with a concern for welfare on the M60 anticlockwise junction 20 to 19.

"Two fire engines from Heywood and Broughton stations, as well as the technical response unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the scene.

The thoughts of everyone at GMFRS are with the family and friends of the boy who sadly lost his life."

The motorway was closed in both directions between J19 for Middleton and J22 for Chadderton following the fatal incident near J20, just after 5pm on Sunday.

The road was gridlocked until the motorway reopened around 4am today (Monday).

It was previously reported a man had died on the motorway on Sunday afternoon, but police now say the death was that of the 15-year-old boy.

References

1. ^ Manchester Evening News (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)