Family pay loving tribute to teenager who died in fatal collision near Blackburn

A family have paid tribute to a ‘clever, caring and compassionate’ teenager who died in a fatal collision near Blackburn earlier this week.

Police were called to Jackson Heights Road at 8.39pm on Monday (22^nd September) to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a blue Vauxhall Corsa.

Officers attended and found that the Corsa which had been travelling south on Jackson Heights Road, had left the carriageway before coming to rest down an embankment.

The driver of the car, who can now be named as 17-year-old Liam Bracken from Bolton, was found unresponsive in the vehicle and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His family, who continue to be supported by specially-trained officers, have paid the following tribute to him.

“Liam was a kind, caring, sensitive and compassionate young man. He was loved and adored by all who met him,” they said.

“He was extremely family orientated - coming from a huge, loving close-knit family. Liam loved nothing more than nights with his family and also his friends.

“Liam loved high school and passed his GCSEs with flying colours – he was so clever. He had gotten himself an engineering apprenticeship at Sherwin Williams and was so driven. He was always striving to better himself and reach for the top.

“Liam was extremely into his health and fitness, always looking after himself in the gym with his mum and dad at 6.30am every morning before work. 

“We are so proud of raising a son who showed how to be respectful and had a fantastic moral compass.

“This is such a tremendous loss to his loving family. Liam will be missed and loved by all who knew him. Rip son.”

As a result of the collision, four other teenagers suffered injuries which were not life-threatening. They were taken to hospital for treatment but have all since been discharged.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage which would assist our investigation to make contact.

Sgt Pete Fyans, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This was a tragic collision in which a teenager lost his life, and my thoughts first and foremost are with Liam’s family at this incredibly sad time.

“As we investigate what happened, we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage from the area, to contact us.

“This is a rural location, but it might be that other vehicles were travelling in the area around the time this collision happened.”

Anyone with information, please contact 101 – quoting log 1329 of 22^nd September – or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk