Family and friends commemorate boy who died in farm bike crash
2nd April 2024
A Lancashire family paid tribute to a “beautiful, kind and lovely” teenager who was tragically killed in a farm bike crash last Saturday.
Hector Eccles died after his Polaris Ranger Farmbike left the carriageway and crashed in a field. The accident happened near Extwistle Road, Worsthorne, on 30th March. No other vehicles were involved.
The 16-year-old boy, who was the bike driver, did not survive his injuries. His passenger, a 17-year-old boy from Burnley, was not seriously injured.
Remembered forever
In a tribute, Hector’s family thanked everyone for the kind words and sympathy over the last few days. They added: “This is our Hector on his farm with his animals, where he loved to spend is time.
“Always happiest: on the farm, at Gisburn Auction or with his friends and colleagues in Pendle Young Farmers. Hector will always be in our hearts and minds, we will always remember our: beautiful, kind and lovely boy.”
Pendle Young Farmers Club posted on its social media that the members are devastated to hear of the loss of their fellow young farmer and friend.
The post continues: “Hector was a keen member, coming to every meeting and competing at regional and county competitions. He was a kind, helpful and lovely lad that will be missed massively at our club.
“From everyone at Pendle Young farmers we would like to send our love and prayers to Geoff, Wendy his family and friends at this difficult time. Fly high Hector you will never be forgotten.”
READ MORE: Young shepherdess crushed to death by overloaded quad bike
READ MORE: Tragic accident in Cambridgeshire: Two men crushed by straw bales
Witnesses needed
Sgt Martin Wilcock, from our Road Policing Unit, said that having carried out extensive work to establish the circumstances of what led to the collision, police are satisfied that this is no longer a criminal investigation, and the officers are now carrying out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
He added: “With that in mind, I would ask any witnesses or anyone with dashcam covering the area around that time to contact the police.
“A family is grieving, and I would ask the public – particularly those on social media – not to engage in any unhelpful, unnecessary and hurtful speculation. Email sciu@lancashire.police.uk or call 101, quoting log 45 of 30th March 2024.”
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