Tributes paid to 'precious' and 'beloved' men killed in Oldham crash

The families of the two men have been paying tribute to them

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 18th Apr 2022

Two men who died after a crash in Oldham have been described as 'precious' and beloved' by their families.

Harry Atkinson and Lewis Meeson, aged 20 and 21, were riding a yellow motorbike on Good Friday morning when they crashed with a car on High Barn Street.

The pair, both from Royton, died from critical injuries.

Police are investigating the crash and how it happened.

No arrests have been made but an appeal for dashcam footage has been released.

Specialist officers are supporting the families of Harry and Lewis, who have paid tribute to them and thanked the local community for its support and kindness over what's been a 'devastating weekend'.

Harry Atkinson

Paying tribute to 20-year-old plumber Harry, his family said: "Words can't describe how it feels to lose our youngest child, Harry - our son - in such a tragic way. Our hearts are broken.

"Harry is a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend.

"His life and his death will touch many people - most of all those who love him dearly.

"Harry was 20, a loving kind and thoughtful young man; so full of life - happy in his job as a plumber with his whole life ahead of him.

"We want to thank all the first responders who tried their best to save both Harry and his friend's lives and supported the other people involved in the terrible incident.

"Thanks to the police who showed such kindness and compassion, and thanks for everyone's kind words and support.

"Harry is precious to us and as we try to come to terms with the harsh reality that he isn’t coming home, we ask that people give us as a family some privacy, time and space in grieve in our own way."

Lewis Meeson

The family of 21-year-old Lewis made a moving tribute to him, saying: "The family has been completely devastated by the loss of our beloved Lewis.

"We are truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support from the community and from Lewis’s friends and family.

"This has reinforced what we already knew; that he is loved and cherished by everyone who knew him.

"The family would like to thank everybody for the hundreds of kind, positive messages that have been received. We are so grateful and it has brought much comfort at this horrific time."

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