Family tribute to man who died in Cumbria motorbike crash

In a touching statement, Tristan Whyatt, 51, was described by his family as having a 'belly laugh so loud he could stand in for Father Christmas.'

He was riding a motorbike and crashed with a Land Rover Freelander on the A683 Burrow Road near Kirkby Lonsdale at around 1.20pm on October 21.

Tristan, from Haslingden in Lancashire. was taken to hospital where he died the following day.

His family said: “Tristan was an avid car and motorbike enthusiast – anything with wheels and/or an engine.

“He had been riding bikes since the age of 12. He was described by his friends as big and daft, with a heart of gold and a belly laugh so loud he could stand in for Father Christmas.

Tristan Whyatt (Image: Lancashire Police) “This has come as a huge shock to all his family and friends, and an irreplaceable part of our lives has gone forever.

“We have been deeply moved by the messages from friends and family relating to Tristan’s passing. He will be sorely missed.

“We want to take this time to thank the responding officers and emergency services, as well as all the staff at Royal Preston Hospital who tried so hard to save Tristan’s life.”

At the time of the crash, Sergeant Joe Ghigi, of Lancashire Police, said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this very sad and distressing time.

"As we investigate what happened, we want to appeal for witnesses or to anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam footage from around the time of the collision.

“This is a rural area but there will have been vehicles using the road.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting log 0538 of October 21, 2024, or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk