Tribute to motorcyclist with 'heart of gold' that died in horror smash
A family have paid tribute to a beloved motorcyclist who died following a horror crash near Kirby Lonsdale.
Tristan Whyatt is described as having a "heart of gold and a belly laugh so loud he could stand in for Father Christmas" by his heartbroken family. The 51-year-old was riding his motorbike when it was involved in a collision with a Land Rover Freelander on the A683 Burrow Road at 1.20pm on October 21.
Haslingden-resident Tristan was then taken to hospital where he passed away the next day. Paying tribute to Tristan, his family said: "Tristan was an avid car and motorbike enthusiast – anything with wheels and/or an engine.
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"He had been riding bikes since the age of 12. He was described by his friends as big and daft, with a heart of gold and a belly laugh so loud he could stand in for Father Christmas. This has come as a huge shock to all his family and friends, and an irreplaceable part of our lives has gone forever.
"We have been deeply moved by the messages from friends and family relating to Tristan’s passing. He will be sorely missed.
"We want to take this time to thank the responding officers and emergency services, as well as all the staff at Royal Preston Hospital who tried so hard to save Tristan’s life."
Lancashire Police are still investigating the crash and are continuing to appeal for witnesses and anyone driving in the area at the time. They want anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
You can do so by contacting 101, quoting log 0538 of 21st October 2024, or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.