Family issue tribute following fatal collision in Haydock

The family of Rob Campbell, aged 40, who lived in St Helens, have issued a tribute following a fatal collision on East Lancashire Road in Haydock.

They said: 

"Rob was a devoted dad to his three beautiful girls and there was never any doubt that they were his whole world. Everything he did, every choice he made, was rooted in his love for them. Being their dad wasn’t just part of his life, it was the very centre of it.

"He had a kind and gentle heart, the sort of person who made others feel seen, valued, and cared for. He cherished life in a way that was rare, holding onto moments, memories, and the people he loved with a sentimentality that made him who he was. He felt deeply, loved deeply, and gave deeply.

"Music was one of his great joys, a constant companion that lifted him, grounded him, and filled his days with rhythm and meaning. 

"He leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and kindness. A big-hearted man whose presence made life better for the people lucky enough to know him.

"His girls will forever carry his love with them and all of us who knew him will carry the memory of his gentle spirit.

"Gone far too soon, but never forgotten."

 

 

 

 

ISSUED EARLIER TODAY (09.06.2026):

We are appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the East Lancashire Road in Haydock.

Emergency services were called at approximately 11pm last night, Monday 8 June, following reports that a motorcycle had been involved in a collision with an HGV on the westbound carriageway between Penny Lane and Kenyons Lane South.

Sadly, the rider of the motorcycle, a man in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Two HGVs are believed to have been involved in the incident. One vehicle is believed to have been in direct collision with the motorcyclist, while investigators believe a second HGV may have been indirectly involved in the circumstances leading up to the collision.

A 28-year-old man from the Widnes area has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, driving while unfit through drugs, and driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of a controlled drug above the specified limit.

A second man, aged 38 and from Carmarthenshire, has also been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Both men remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

The eastbound carriageway of the East Lancashire Road has now reopened. However, a section of the westbound carriageway remains closed to allow for ongoing investigative work. Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible or allow extra time for their journeys.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, from Merseyside Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“An investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time to check their dashcam footage for anything that may assist our enquiries, including footage of the collision itself or the moments leading up to it.

“Front and rear dashcams can often capture vital evidence without the driver realising. We are particularly keen to review any footage showing either of the HGVs or the motorcycle involved in order to help establish exactly what happened.

“To assist potential witnesses, I can confirm that both HGVs believed to be involved were towing white trailers. One cab was dark in colour and the other was white with black stripes.

“Although two people have been arrested, we are still very keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw the vehicles beforehand. No matter how insignificant the information may seem, it could prove vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or email [email protected], quoting incident reference 26000456942.

You can also send a direct message to @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously