Heartbroken family’s tribute to ‘best mum’ who died in crash with bin lorry
A family has paid tribute to a gran who was ‘taken too soon’ in a crash with a bin lorry.
Michelle Atherton, 47, died in a collision in St Helens, Merseyside, at 7am on Wednesday.
Her family said in a statement yesterday: ‘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.’
The crash happened between a white Ford Fiesta and a refuse wagon at the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road.
Paramedics took Michelle to hospital for urgent treatment after she suffered serious head and chest injuries, but she died in hospital.
A man aged 43 from St Helens is currently in police custody, but officers continue to investigate what happened.
Detective sergeant Kurt Timpson from Merseyside Police 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 with information is encouraged to call local police on 101 quoting incident number 23000603150.
Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
A five-year-old boy was killed after he was hit by a bin lorry while out riding his Spider-Man bike in Walsall last year.
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