The family of an 18-year-old motorcyclist who died following a collision in Wigan have said that owning a bike had been their ‘beautiful daughter’s’ dream from a young age.
Police were called to Park Road near to the junction of Park Crescent about 8.25pm Monday morning following reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and a car.
Charlotte Melling, from Wigan, had been riding her white Yamaha motorbike when she collided with a gold-coloured Vauxhall Agila, driven by a 49-year-old woman who was travelling in the opposite direction.
Ms Melling suffered serious injuries and was taken to Wigan Royal Albert Edward Infirmary. She passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning as a result of her injuries.
In a heartfelt statement, her family said: “Our beautiful daughter Charlotte, born 29 November 1995, was such a happy child, a tomboy who loved fishing, bmxing and being with her friends.
“She went to St Catherine’s School in Scholes and then onto Rose Bridge High, where she was loved by pupils and teachers alike. Charlotte studied childcare at Wigan and Leigh College and last September gained an apprenticeship at Truly Scrumptious in Aspull, where she was very happy.
“Charlotte worshipped her family, her mum, her dad, her brothers Logan and Lucas and her sister Jessica, her grandparents and her nephew Freddie.
“She recently met her boyfriend Lewis and had some wonderful times with him and their friends. Charlotte bought her bike in March, a dream she had had from a young age. Charlotte will be remembered for her amazing smile and her cheeky ways that would never fail to light up any room.”
Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Police Constable Paul Hailwood said: “Our thoughts remain with Charlotte’s family, who have understandably been left devastated.
“We have officers supporting them as best we can at this difficult time and are carrying out a thorough investigation to establish the full facts.”
If anyone witnessed the collision or have any information regarding the incident, please contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit directly on 0161 856 4741 or 4742.
