‘Always happiest on the farm’...family tribute to lad, 16, killed in bike crash
GRIEVING relatives have paid tribute to a “beautiful, kind and lovely” 16-year-old boy killed in a farm bike crash.
Hector Eccles, 16, died after his Polaris Ranger buggy left the road and crashed into a field at around midnight on Saturday.
His passenger, a 17-year-old boy from Burnley, was not seriously injured in the crash in Worsthorne, Lancs, where Hector lived, Lancashire police said.
Hector’s family shared a photo of him with farm animals as they thanked those who sent their condolences.
They said: “This is our Hector on his farm with his animals, where he loved to spend his time.
“Always happiest on the farm, at Gisburn Auction or with his friends and colleagues in Pendle Young Farmers. Hector will always be in our hearts and minds, we will always remember our beautiful, kind and lovely boy.”
Sgt Martin Wilcock, of Lancashire’s road policing unit, has appealed for information and dashcam footage.
He said: “My thoughts remain with Hector’s loved ones at this difficult time.
“Having carried out extensive work to establish the circumstances of what led to the collision, we are satisfied that this is no longer a criminal investigation.
“We are now carrying out inquiries on behalf of the coroner.”
He added: “A family is grieving and I would ask the public, particularly those on social media, not to engage in any unhelpful, unnecessary and hurtful speculation.”
Pendle Young Farmers said: “Everyone is devastated to hear the loss of our fellow young farmer and friend.
“Hector was a keen member, coming to every meeting and competing at regional and county competitions.
“He was a kind, helpful and lovely lad that will be missed massively at our club.
“From everyone at Pendle Young farmers, we would like to send our love and prayers to Geoff, Wendy, his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Fly high Hector – you will never be forgotten.”