An inquest has heard that a "loving partner and father" was killed instantly after his motorbike struck a car park barrier while being ridden without lights. Anthony Place, from Horwich, died at the scene when his blue Yamaha motorbike collided with a barrier on a side road off Rivington Lane, near Rivington Barn, at 9.04pm on Wednesday April 8.
Inquest details
The 38-year-old, described as a "loving father and stepfather", was taken to hospital where his partner formally identified his body. The inquest, held at Preston Coroner's Court on September 9, heard that Anthony was born in Blackburn and was working as a wheel refurbisher at the time of his death. He resided at an address on St Catherines Close in Horwich.
Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor heard that the lights on Anthony's bike were not turned on at the time of the collision. The coroner returned a conclusion of road traffic collision and said: "Anthony Damien Place died on Rivington Lane Chorley on 8th April 2026 from injuries sustained when the motorcycle he was riding without lights in darkness collided with a car park barrier."
Family tribute
Following Anthony's death, his family paid tribute through police. They said: "Rest easy our beautiful son – you left us way too soon. Your smile lit up every room you went in to and your energy gravitated on to everyone you met. You were a loving father, stepfather, and partner, the best big brother, and a crazy uncle."
"Words will not come close to how this emptiness feels. You have left many hearts broken and a void that will never be filled."
