BlogTribute paid to mum and son killed days before Christmas

Tribute paid to mum and son killed days before Christmas

The family of a parent and son who died in a road traffic collision in Oldham days before Christmas have paid their own tribute.

Clair (42) and Sam (15) sadly passed away as a result of their injuries at the scene of a serious road traffic on Ripponden Road.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following the incident at around 4pm on December 23.

Police had received reports of two vehicles near Denshaw, being in collision.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody for questioning.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV/doorbell footage from the area in the moments before the collision took place.

Tribute

Their family have said: “Clair was a smart, loving parent, daughter and sister who would do anything for anyone.

“Prior to the pandemic, Clair worked at the Bolton Theatre, supporting those facing Mental Health challenges.

“She loved going to pottery class every week and was such a creative person and she could go from a lump of clay to making whatever she put her mind to.”

“Sam was in Year 11, looking forward to studying music at college; he loved to sing and to play the drums. Listening to music was one of Sam’s favourite things to do, he was always around the house with his headphones on.

“When Sam wasn’t listening to music, he could be found in a world of his own playing on his computer. Sam’s family meant the world to him; he was a brother and son whose loss will leave a hole in our family forever.”

They added that Christmas without Sam and Clair would be immensely difficult for everybody who knew them both.

PC Thomas Johnson, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with their family who are being supported by officers at this really difficult time.

“If you can help or have any information that may assist our enquiries, then please contact our Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident 2304 of 23/12/2023.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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