Tributes paid to man who died in bike crash
Dad says family heartbroken at loss of ‘extraordinary’ son
LOVING tributes have been paid to a motorcyclist who died in a crash in Market Bosworth last week.
Michael Whitmore, 28, from Burbage was killed in a collision involving a motorcycle and a Ford Ka on Wellsborough Road at 7am on Friday.
The road was closed for several hours while police officers carried out an investigation into the crash.
Mr Whitmore, known as Mike, has been described as an “extraordinary”, “respected” and “great man” by loved ones.
His dad Mark, 59, said: “We’re absolutely heartbroken, the family are in pieces.
“He was so young and had his whole life ahead of him with his girlfriend Kellie. They had so many plans together and only moved into a new home in Glenfield last year.
“He was due to celebrate his 29th birthday on Thursday, which makes the whole situation even more difficult.
“We have received so many messages of support and respect. Lots of people I don’t even know have said how extraordinary he was. He was a very respected and loved man - he was a really good guy.
“Thank you to everyone for their kind words.”
Mike was born in Burbage and lived with parents Mark and Sue in the village for many years.
He attended John Cleveland College where he became close friends with his future girlfriend, Kellie Moore.
He studied motorsport management at Swansea Metropolitan University which led him into a career working with robotics and technology for Ocado in Dordon, near Atherstone.
He also had an active role at the Concordia Theatre with his girlfriend.
His dad added: “He was the type of person who could start up a conversation with anyone and make them feel good. He was extremely personable and warm.
“He was also very self-confident and independent. He travelled Australia for a year, taking on a number of temporary jobs in Brisbane and visiting the Thursday Islands.
“He had no children unfortunately, that was a future plan and dream I’m sure. He was fairly new to a motorcycle, we did the bike training together, father and son.
“On Friday it was a really nice day so he chose to get on his bike to travel to work.
“But he was not a risk-taker, I rode with him many times. He respected the machine and was very respectful to other road users. He was not in any way reckless.”
Mike was close to his sister Lauren, 26, who lives near Melton, when growing up.
Leicestershire Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash.
A spokesman said: “If you saw either of the vehicles being driven immediately prior to the collision, contact 101 and ask to speak with investigating officer, Detective Constable 1761 Pete Davies.”
Nobody else was injured in the collision.