Korben Bell, a 24-year-old from Cheshire, died in hospital on Wednesday, August 12, following a one-vehicle crash involving an e-bike in the Birkenhead Tunnel. Merseyside Police were called to the scene at around 1.05pm on Tuesday, August 11, after reports of the crash on the Birkenhead to Liverpool carriageway, approximately two thirds of the way through the tunnel towards the Liverpool end.
Floral tributes and messages
A number of messages and floral tributes have been left for Korben on the Liverpool side of the tunnel. A message from his parents next to one set of flowers said: "Our boy, words can't describe the hole you're leaving in our lives. You'll always be so loved. This isn't goodbye, until we meet again. Love you always, mum and dad."
Another message said: "Our beautiful blue eyed boy. I'll forever miss your smile and all our laughs. Don't be causing chaos up there. I will love and miss you forever." A third said: "I can't believe I am writing this. I miss you every day." A fourth added: "RIP Korb, (you were one in a billion.)" Another said: "Korben, we will love you always."
A banner with Korben's face reads: "Ride in paradise Korben, forever in our hearts. Love, all the lads."
Family tribute
In a tribute issued via Merseyside Police, Korben's family said: "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.
