The parents of a teenager killed when the electric motorbike he was riding collided with a van have paid a moving tribute to a "young man who had his whole life ahead of him".
McKenzie Ratcliffe, 18, was on the motorbike when it was involved in a head-on collision with a Mercedes Sprinter van in Waterville Road, Meadow Well, at 5.25pm on August 19.
'Our hearts are broken'
In a tribute to McKenzie, who worked as an apprentice electrician, his parents said: "Our hearts are broken – nothing seems real. McKenzie was such an amazing young man - he had his whole life ahead of him. We want to thank each and every person for their love and support at this awful and sad time – nothing has gone unnoticed."
"We would also like to thank passers-by, especially the lady that didn't stop doing CPR on our boy until the emergency services attended and also thank the emergency services for doing their best."
Family tribute
The grieving parents added: "McKenzie leaves behind so many broken hearts, his brother Leighton, his two sisters Brogan and Bonnie, his nana, grandads, uncles, aunt and so many more and not to forget his friends. McKenzie also leaves his girlfriend Olivia. Olivia was McKenzie’s world and she will always be a part of our family, even more so now."
"The love everyone is showing us as a family is unbelievable. We would ask that anyone taking part in memorial events to McKenzie does so respectfully."
Investigation ongoing
The van's driver remained at the scene to assist with police enquiries. An investigation remains ongoing.
Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police's roads policing unit, said: "Our thoughts continue to be with McKenzie's family and we are continuing to support them during this extremely difficult time. We would like to thank everyone who has provided information towards our investigation so far and ask that anyone else who has details which could assist us please get in touch."
Anyone with information, or dashcam footage which could assist investigators, is asked to contact Northumbria Police. To do so, use the force website or social media platforms, or call 101. Quote reference NP-20260819-0748.
