News
Family pay tribute to ‘beloved’ teenage motorcyclist who died in Wigan off-road crash
"He touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime."
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2024 
The heartbroken family of a teenager motorcyclist who died in an off-road crash in Wigan have paid tribute to him.
Josh Sharpe is being remembered for his “empathy and generosity”.
The 19-year-old “much-loved son, brother, and partner” sadly lost his life following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway, close to the Wigan town of Tyldesley, this past Saturday (22 June), despite the best efforts of all emergency services who attended the scene.
The “very sporty” teenager developed a love for motorbikes at a “very young age”, according to his family in their touching tribute paid to him.
#TRIBUTE | Family pay tribute to a much-loved ‘son, brother & loving partner’ Josh Sharpe.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 26, 2024
Josh (19) sadly passed away following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway on Saturday.
If you have any information call 0161 856 4741 quoting1673 of 22/06/24.https://t.co/pa2ZrtTbKP pic.twitter.com/ht2kki7gSz
“Josh was very sporty and excelled naturally in football,” the family’s tribute begins.
“He played for Rishton United Football Club Juniors and Hyndburn Youths. Josh’s love for motorbikes developed at a very young age and he often rode them with his Dad on weekends. Although he has always loved motorbikes, it wasn’t until he was financially independent that he was able to enjoy this hobby more frequently with his friends.”
Josh’s family highlighted his “kindness” as being the quality that stood out the most.
“He had an ability to sense when someone needed a friend, a kind word, or a gentle smile,” their tribute continues.
“He was always the first to offer help, never asking for anything in return. His empathy and generosity were beyond his years, qualities that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. In his short life, he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.”
Following the tragic incident, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched an investigation and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident at the track, but has not yet been spoken to, to come forward to provide information.
Read more:
- Touching tribute paid to ‘family man’ killed in a collision in Salford
- Police appeal after young woman dies following collision near Manchester city centre
- GMP’s response times revealed to be among the ‘fastest’ in the country
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741, 101, or alternatively, online at gmp.police.uk quoting log 1673 of 22/06/24.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
