Family tribute to 19-year-old killed in Birkenhead quad bike crash

Emergency services were called to a report of a collision involving a Ford Mondeo saloon and a quad bike at the junction of Wallasey Bridge Road/Stanley Road and Gautby Road, near Birkenhead North Train Station, shortly before 7pm on Sunday (February 4).

The two occupants of the quad bike, a 24-year-old man and the 19-year-old woman, identified as Courtney Sampson, were taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

Courtney sadly passed away.

The man has now been released from hospital and is recovering at home.

The driver of the Ford Mondeo, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and also whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. He has been released under investigation.

Floral tributes left at the scene (Image: Craig Manning)

In an emotional family tribute issued via Merseyside Police, Courtney was said to have lived for "love and happiness" by her mum.

The tribute read: "The 04/02/2024 would be her last moments on this earth and none of us would ever be prepared for that. My morning text read ‘Morning Queen. Hope you have a lovely Sunday, love you all, will FaceTime later. But I never got that FaceTime.

“At 7.20pm I had a call from her partner. I went cold and wanted to keep him as calm as possible. I am thankful to all the doctors, the people who were around. My baby girl’s heart was trying to fight but the injury she sustained was too much for her.

READ > Tributes pour in for 19-year-old with 'heart of gold' killed in quad bike crash

“My baby girl struggled with many challenges in her life; things she endured that no mother wishes for her babies but all that and our battle we had as mother and daughter we always got through them.

"I could say so much more but trust me those that truly knew my girl, knew her love, her heart, her sassy ways and those will never be forgotten ever.

"She loved family, friends and loved to be loved as she lived for love and happiness. That I will carry on with many loved ones who miss my girl."

Continued appeal for witnesses and CCTV

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a complex investigation as we seek to establish what happened in the lead up to the collision and the movements of both vehicles.

“We are currently searching for any witnesses or any CCTV or dashcam footage that may have captured the incident or either vehicle in the time immediately before the collision.

“I would ask anyone who was driving in the general area of Hoylake Road, Stanley Road, Wallasey Bridge Road or who lives in the area please check your CCTV systems or contact our team and we will review any footage or information you may have.”

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.