Mum's tribute to 'princess' who died in Birkenhead quad bike crash

The woman, named locally as 19-year-old Courtney Marie Sampson, died from multiple serious injuries following the incident at the junction of Wallasey Bridge Road, Stanley Road and Gautby Road in Birkenhead on Sunday (February 4).

Emergency services were called to a report of a collision involving a black mark 4 Ford Mondeo saloon and a yellow quad bike with blue trim.

The other person riding the quad bike with Courtney, a 24-year-old man, was also taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

The driver of the Ford Mondeo, a 37-year-old man, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and also whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. He remains in police custody awaiting interview.

In a tribute on Facebook, Courtney's mother, Leanne Carr, said it was so important to make memories with your family. She also hoped to give her daughter “the best send off she deserves”.

The post read: "I can’t even begin to explain how my feelings are I just hold on to all the love and support around me and know my girl was loved by so many."

Leanne recalled that the night before the tragedy, she had gone with Courtney to watch a comedy performance in Liverpool. 

She added: "Now I am preparing her funeral. It seems so surreal, like I will wake up and she will text me, 'hay queen how are you?' Hope you have a lovely day love you all so much.'

"I will never get that text again but will cherish the ones I do have. Family is a gift never to be taken for granted not just close but extended.

"Even though she never got to tell the people she wanted to how grateful she was for their love.

“Trust me she did. I am thankful and grateful for the 19 years I had with my only princess out of nine princes."

"Trust me if you have a grudge or you have not spoken with family don’t hold back because you never know when it’s going to be your last time so love make memories keep in touch reach out do all you can because in life we all need one another.

"I will never get that text again but will cherish the ones I do have. Family is a gift never to be taken for granted not just close but extended.

"Even though she never got to tell the people she wanted to how grateful she was for their love. Trust me she did.

“I am thankful and grateful for the 19 years I had with my only princess out of nine princes."

"Heaven has gained an incredible angel."

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from the Merseyside Police serious collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost her life following the collision last night.

“Her family have been informed and being supported by our specially trained family liaison officers. We have now launched an investigation into her death and I would urgently appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident to please contact us.

“We are currently searching for any CCTV or dashcam footage from last night that may have captured the incident or either vehicle in the time immediately before the collision. If you were driving in the general area of Hoylake Road, Stanley Road, Wallasey Bridge Road or live in the area please check your CCTV systems or contact our team and we will review any footage or information you may have.

“Every piece of information is vitally important to our investigation to establish what happened so we can provide answers for the woman’s family.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision or captured anything on CCTV or dashcam is asked to contact SCIU on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk. Alternatively DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 24000146006.