Teenage driver, 17, killed after horror crash on rural road near Darwen named as friends pay tribute
Tributes have been paid to “clever, caring and compassionate” teenager killed in a crash on a rural road outside Darwen on Monday.
Liam Bracken, 17, from Astley Bridge near Bolton, died at the scene in Belthorn after the Vauxhall Corsa he was driving veered off Jackson Heights Road and crashed down an embankment.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at 8.39pm and four other teenagers who were passengers in the car were taken to hospital for treatment. They have all since been discharged.
The force, which is investigating how the crash occurred, said an inquest into the teenager’s death will take place in due course.
Paying tribute, his family said: “Liam was a kind, caring, sensitive and compassionate young man. He was loved and adored by all who met him,.
“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.”
Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage which might assist the investigation to get in touch.
Police statement
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 about the crash on Monday is asked to contact police on 101 – quoting log 1329 of September 22, or email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at [email protected]