The heartbroken family of a much-loved 13-year-old who tragically died following a collision in Sunderland have paid tribute to their "cheeky boy who lived life to the fullest".
Officers were alerted to a collision involving a car and a pedal bike shortly after 8.10pm on Sunday (August 14). It was reported that a red Vauxhall Corsa was travelling north from Glover Road onto Silverstone Road when, for reasons yet to be established, it was in a collision with a boy on a bike who was crossing from the underpass.
The boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died two days later on Tuesday (August 16). Northumbria Police has since named him as 13-year-old Gregg Lewis McGuire from Washington. His family are continuing to be supported by specially-trained family liaison officers during this incredibly difficult time.
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And on Thursday, Gregg's family issued a heartfelt tribute to him saying he "absolutely loved life and making others laugh and smile". They said: "We are beyond heartbroken and devastated as we come to terms with the fact that our boy Gregg is no longer with us.
"He was a much-loved son, grandson, brother and nephew who had his whole life ahead of him. Gregg was known to everyone as a cheeky lad and fancied himself as a bit of a comedian – he absolutely loved life and making others laugh and smile.
"Everyone who met Gregg thought the absolute world of him and wanted to be his friend. He had loads of friends at school and was also a regular on the pitch with Wrekenton Nou Camp Youth Football Club in the Under 14’s squad.
"While Gregg only got to experience 13 years of life, we can take comfort in the fact that he was always surrounded by love and happiness – and Gregg made sure that he lived life to the fullest, spending time with his family and many friends, and cheering on his beloved football club, Newcastle United.
"We are still getting our heads around the fact that Gregg is no longer with us. As a family we would like to thank everyone for their loving support and respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve and come to terms with what’s happened."
An investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Sergeant Ray Lowery, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is an absolutely devastating outcome and our thoughts are with Gregg’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
"We are keen to get them the answers they deserve – so I am today appealing again for anybody who was travelling in that area on Sunday evening, who either saw the collision or thinks they have information that can assist, to come forward.
"In our initial appeal, we also requested assistance in identifying a key witness who was boarding a bus at the time. The man has since been identified alongside some other bus passengers who have been spoken to by officers.
"However, we know there are other bus passengers yet to contact us, and we still want to hear from anybody else who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which may be of interest to our investigation – so please do check your footage and get in touch.
"I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information to assist our investigation, especially witnesses at the scene who provided statements. It is hugely appreciated."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220814-1125.
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