Devastated family pays tribute to ‘smart, loving’ mother, 42, ‘who would do anything for anyone’ and son, 15, killed in horror crash before Christmas – as man is arrested by police
The devastated family of a “smart, loving” mother “who would do anything for anyone” and son who died in a horrific crash yesterday before Christmas have paid tribute – as the man was arrested by police.
Claire, 42, and Sam, 15, tragically died yesterday as a result of their injuries at the scene of a serious road traffic accident on Ripponden Road, Oldham.
Their family said: “Claire was a smart, loving parent, daughter and sister who would do anything for anyone.”
“Before the pandemic, Claire worked at Bolton Playhouse supporting those facing mental health challenges.
“She loved going to pottery classes every week, was a very creative person and could go from a piece of clay to making anything she wanted.”
The devastated family of “smart, loving” mother Claire (pictured), 42, “who would do anything for anyone” and son who died in a horror crash yesterday before Christmas have paid tribute – a man has been arrested by police
Paying tribute to 15-year-old Sam, his family said: “Sam was in Year 11 and was looking forward to studying music at college; he loved to sing and play the drums. Listening to music was one of Sam’s favorite pastimes; he always had headphones on at home.
“When Sam wasn’t listening to music, he could be found in his own world, playing on his computer. Sam’s family meant the world to him; he was a brother and a son whose loss will forever leave a hole in our family.
“Christmas without Sam and Claire will be extremely difficult, not only for us, but for everyone who knew them both.”
The family requests privacy as they grieve during this difficult time.
Officers are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a mother and son sadly died in a road traffic collision on Ripponden Road, Oldham.
At around 4pm on Saturday 23 December 2023, Greater Manchester Police received a report of a serious road collision between two vehicles on Ripponden Road, Oldham, towards Denshaw.
Emergency services attended the scene and two people, Claire and Sam, sadly died at the scene. A 13-year-old child also suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody for questioning.
Claire, 42, and Sam (pictured), 15, tragically died yesterday as a result of their injuries at the scene of a serious road traffic accident on Ripponden Road, Oldham.
GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing to anyone who may have seen the vehicle described as a black BMW X5 or the collision in the Ripponden Road area of Oldham at around 4pm yesterday (23 December 2023) to contact us to assist officers in their investigation.
Officers said they are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have video footage, including dash cam, cell phone, CCTV or doorbell footage taken in the area in the moments before the collision occurred.
Constable Thomas Johnson, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with their family, who are being supported by officers at this truly difficult time.
“If you can help or have any information that could assist our investigation, please contact our Serious Collision Investigation Team on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident 2304 of 23 December 2023.
“Information can also be reported at www.gmp.police.uk.”