Wigan father Stephen Sparks dies in motorbike and van crash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 18:44 · Archive

Stephen Sparks, 44, died after his motorbike collided with a van on Wigan Lane on 27 October.

Stephen Sparks, 44, died after his motorbike collided with a van on Wigan Lane in Swinley at around 4.25pm on 27 October. He was riding in the opposite direction to the van when the van driver indicated to turn right, and the motorbike struck the van during the manoeuvre, according to Greater Manchester Police. Wigan Lane was closed for several hours while initial investigations took place.

Sparks worked as a bus driver, a job his sister Ruth Entwistle said he thoroughly enjoyed. His sister paid tribute to him, saying: 'My little brother was big and daft and looked after everyone around him. We took care of each other no matter what.' She added that he left behind three children, and was proud of his niece and nephew. 'We don't know what we will do without him. We are forever changed,' she said.

Entwistle described the family as close-knit and noted that her brother had many friends. 'If he wasn't working, he was with family and friends. Wherever we went he would see someone he knew,' she added.

How it is being reported

• Heartfelt tributes paid to beloved dad who died in Wigan horror crash"We don’t know what we will do without him"Manchester Evening News · 28 Oct, 18:22
• A dad who died in a Wigan motorbike smash has been named as Stephen SparksFamily and friends pay tribute and voice their shock and distress at the loss of a Wigan father and motorcyclist in a rush hour crashWigan Today · 28 Oct, 13:43

In this story: Stephen Sparks · Ruth Entwistle · Wigan · Wigan Lane · Greater Manchester Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log