The mum of a young dad who died in a motorbike crash in Tyldesley has paid a touching tribute to him, describing him as a 'genuine guy with a massive heart'.
Anthony Draper was tragically killed in a crash on Rutland Road at around 10.50pm on Tuesday evening (April 18). Police said it is believed the 29-year-old 'lost control' of his motorbike before hitting a brick gate post at a house.
He sadly died at the scene as a result of his injuries. Following on from his tragic death, his mum Jen told the Manchester Evening News how much her son enjoyed riding bikes.
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She said he had been riding since a young age and described the incident as a huge shock. As well as his mum, Anthony leaves behind his dad Andrew, sisters Leah and Sienna, partner Jodie and two children Anaya and Kaison.
He also leaves behind Ashley Junior, Layla and Ellie-Rose - who he raised as his own. Jen said: "He was the most genuine guy with a massive heart.
"He had five kids, three wasn't his but he raised them from a very young age as his own. He had a little sister who is three and then an older sister who is 22.
"He had loads of mates, he was a very popular well-known guy. He had grown up in Tyldesley from being a baby, on the estate which is where he passed away as well."
She added: "He's been riding bikes since he was about four-years-old. He's always had a massive love of bikes, it was an awful accident.
"You don't expect to get that phone call. He just enjoyed riding his motorbike and spending time with his kids, that's what he was about."
A file in relation to Anthony's death has been passed to the coroner, a spokesperson for the Manchester West Coroners' Court confirmed. In a statement following the incident, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 10.50pm last night (Tuesday 18 April 2023), Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Rutland Road, Tyldesley.
"It is believed that a motorcyclist lost control of their vehicle before colliding with a brick gate post of a residential address. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the rider, a 29-year-old man, sadly died at the scene.
"The family of the rider are being supported by specialist officers. Officers are now appealing for witnesses - or anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage - to please get in touch. You can do so by calling GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 4149 of 18/04/2023.
"A report can also be made via GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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