Man, 27, with 'cheekiest smile' dies after bike crashes into lamppost

A man who died following a motorbike crash has been named locally.

Emergency services were called to Orrell Road in Orrell, Wigan at around 4.25am on Thursday, April 25 following reports of a crash. Police said a motorcyclist travelling east on Orrell Road towards Wigan town centre crossed the carriageway and mounted a footpath before crashing with a lamppost.

The 27-year-old rider was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died a short time after arriving. The man has now been named locally in tributes as Joshua Corless.

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Many tributes have been paid following the news of the tragic incident. Writing on the GMP Wigan West's Facebook page, one person said: "RIP Josh. Sending all my love to your family your all In my thoughts, he had the cheekiest of smiles."

Another person added: "RIP Josh Corless, thoughts are with your family and friends." Paying tribute, a third person also said: "Sleep tight Josh. Thinking of all your family and friends."

A fourth person said: "Rest in paradise Joshua Corless." Another person added: "R.I.P Josh brother! Fly high my G!"

Loved ones of Josh also paid tribute on the post, one person said: "My beautiful brother, rest in peace my boy." Another added: "My whole world. I don’t know how I’m going to live without you."

Paul Shore from Greater Manchester Police's serious collision investigation unit said: “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this fatal collision and providing specialist support to his family that are grieving their sudden loss.

"We are appealing to the local community for information to support our investigation. If you witnessed anything we’d be grateful if you come forward and help with our enquiries. The motorcycle involved is a distinctive bright yellow colour and we believe other road users would have seen this vehicle in the area before the collision."

Anyone with information should contact police directly on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting incident 453 of 25/04/2024. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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