The family of a man who died after a crash in the Birkenhead tunnel have paid tribute to him. Merseyside Police was called to the Queensway Tunnel at around 1.05pm on Tuesday (August 11) following reports of a one-vehicle crash involving a bike rider.
Crash details
The rider was travelling on the Birkenhead to Liverpool carriageway. The crash occurred approximately two thirds of the way through the tunnel towards the Liverpool end. Merseyside Police confirmed the rider died in hospital on Wednesday. The force today named him as 24-year-old Korben Bell, who lived in the Cheshire area.
Family tribute
His family said in a statement issued through Merseyside Police: “Our boy, Korben. A boy with a heart of gold and a smile that could light up any room.
"Korben was the best son, brother, uncle, partner and friend and loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
"He had a way of making everyone laugh, wherever he went and brought so much happiness and positivity to the people around him no matter what.
"From our beautiful blue-eyed, blond-haired boy, to the gorgeous man he grew into, we will forever be so proud to call you ours.
"Our hearts are completely broken. There are no words to describe the pain of losing you.
"This isn’t goodbye, our boy. It’s simply until we see you again.
"Loved by us all, always.”
Investigation ongoing
An investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from the Merseyside Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts remain with Korben's family at this desperately sad time, they are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
"Our enquiries into the collision remain ongoing and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who saw the bike in the tunnel or witnessed the collision and has not yet come forward to do so.
"I am particularly interested in anyone who saw the bike approaching/entering the tunnel booths at Birkenhead or the drivers of the vehicles travelling westbound towards Birkenhead who may had witnessed the collision. In addition if anyone has dash cameras fitted to their vehicle, please check if the incident has been captured.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000654914.
