Details of a horror crash in Oldham which claimed the lives of a young motorbike rider and his passenger have been heard as inquests into their deaths were opened.
Plumber Harry Atkinson, 20, and kitchen fitter Lewis Meeson, both from Royton, died after an off-road bike being riden by Mr Atkinson, and on which Mr Meeson was a passenger, was involved in a collision with a car on High Barn Street on Friday April 15.
Inquests into their death were formally opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court on Tuesday morning. During the short back-to back hearings brief circumstances of the crash, which occured near the junction with Cardigan Street, were disclosed.
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Police Coroner's Officer Kathy Dixon said during the hearing for Mr Atkinson: "A car was being driven along High Barn Street towards Oldham Road and Cardigan Street. Concurrently, an off-road motorbike was being riden in the opposite, opposing direction." "The deceased was the rider" she said confirming in Mr Meeson's hearing that he was the pillion passenger.
"The car turned right into Cardigan Street and crossed the path of the deceased" Ms Dixon continued. "This caused the motorcycle to be dropped and unseated him and the pillion passenger. Both collided with the car causing fatal injuries" she added.
She said Home Office post-mortems had been carried out on both men and that the "police investigation into the collision is continuing."
Assistant Coroner Michael Salt said it was a "tragic incident" and that he was satisfied inquests into both deaths should be formally opened. However he said "police enquires are not complete by any means at this stage" and said he could not fix dates for the inquests until "the outcome of those investigations."
Following their deaths, both men's families issued heartbreaking tributes to their loved ones. In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Mr Atkinson's family said: ""Words can't describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry - our son - in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken.
"Harry is a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. His life and his death will touch many people - most of all those who love him dearly. Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life - happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.
"We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend's lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident. Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone's kind words and support.
"Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way."
Mr Meeson's family said: "The family has been completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis. We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.
"This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him. The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time."
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