Tributes have poured in for a mum who was killed in a crash involving a bin lorry.
Emergency services were called to Broad Oak Road at the junction of Delta Road in St Helens at 7am on Wednesday, July 6, following a crash involving a white Ford Fiesta and a bin lorry. Paramedics treated Michelle Atherton, who was the passenger in the car, for serious head and chest injuries and then took her to hospital for urgent treatment.
The 47-year-old mum-of-four and grandmother died in hospital a short time later. Since publishing the news, hundreds of ECHO readers paid tribute to Michelle.
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Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Rebecca Percival said: "I'm so so upset. I told my little boy earlier and he said a prayer for you Shell, for your kids and grandkids. Rest in peace, sunshine."
Shelley Holleron added: "R.I.P shell you will be missed, had some funny nights with you was a pleasure to have met you."
Lindsey Durkin also said: "This is so sad. RIP beautiful, may you be at peace with the angels." Lynn Cruickshank added: "This is so heartbreaking, thinking of her family."
Carol Jackson also added: "Rest in Paradise. Thoughts are with your family and friends. Taken too soon."
Michelle's family also paid tribute to the mum, who had a "heart of gold".
The tribute said: “Our mum was the best mum that anyone could have ever dreamt or wished for. She had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room that she graced her presence with.
"You will be dearly missed by your four loving children, six grandchildren and your unborn grandchild. We love you mum.
"You were taken from us too soon. We will love and cherish you forever and always. Michelle Maria Atherton (known to many family and friends as Shelly). We hope you rest in peace now with your mum.”
A 43-year-old man from St Helens remains in police custody after he was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Police are still in the early stages of investigating the circumstances of this incident and are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our investigation continues, and I would like to thank members of the local community who have helped us so far. However I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information that may help, who we have not already spoken with to please contact the incident team.
"In addition, if you live locally or were in the area at the time and have any CCTV or dash camera footage please get in touch.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call the Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000603150.
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