A man who died after "losing control" of his bike on a motorway slip road has been named by his family.
Pete Lord, from Milnrow, was driving onto the eastbound slip road of the M62 at its Simister Island junction with the M60 on Tuesday, June 21, when police say he lost control of his Yamaha motorbike and crashed. Tragically, the grandad was taken to hospital, where medics pronounced his death.
The Royton-born former serviceman had just celebrated his 66th birthday just two days earlier, and was looking forward to retiring or reducing his hours at his night job for Yodel. His family say Pete's death has left a "big hole" in their lives, with them all struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
READ MORE: Girl, 11, rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by car
Son Mike Lord told the Manchester Evening News that his dad had ridden bikes throughout his life, and was always a very careful rider. He said: "We can't understand what went wrong, he was always such a careful rider and driver. He loved bikes and had ridden all his life, he once went for a ride with his mate Les and ended up in Belgium!
"He was also an ex-serviceman and attended rides all over the country. He started his working life in the Army, and then moved on to work as a HGV driver and in years gone by travelled all over Europe and further afield with his work. Our dad has touched so many peoples lives and it's been overwhelming the amount of support and messages we have had since his accident, he had a huge impact on a lot of people's lives and a big hole is now left.
"We have been blown away with how many people thought so highly of him, we are all devastated more than words but he touched the lives of so many people. He will be sorely missed, we are still trying to come to terms with the sudden loss of a great man."
Although no funeral arrangements have been made yet, Mike is speaking with Brass Knuckle Riders Rochdale about the group organising a potential escort for his dad's final journey, after the club have supported the family through their loss.
Greater Manchester Police appealed for witnesses of the collision to come forwards and assist investigators to understand exactly what happened. A spokesperson for the force said: "At around 2.50pm on Tuesday 21 June 2022, we received a report of a collision at junction 18 of the M60 and M62. Enquiries have established that the rider of a Yamaha motorcycle lost control of the vehicle as it entered the eastbound slip road of the M62.
"The rider, a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. Anyone with information or dash cam footage showing the motorcycle in the lead up to the collision should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via 0161 856 4741 quoting 1913 21/05/22."
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
Man arrested for assault after emergency services scrambled to street
School scraps controversial 'no contact' rule as head apologises for upset caused
- "Like a pack of animals": Pensioner, 70, among four spared jail after 'disgraceful' brawl
Body of journalist Dom Phillips returned to family as fourth suspect arrested
