Family of ‘larger than life’ man pay tribute following a fatal road traffic collision

Leslie Baron, aged 56, sadly died after a road traffic collision on Ormskirk Road in Wigan.

Shortly after 7:15pm on Saturday 13 April 2024, at the junction with Billinge Road, a car collided with a motorbike that had a rider and passenger on it.

Both became unseated, suffering serious injuries.

Emergency services attended, but despite the best attempts of medical professionals both at the scene and at hospital, Leslie tragically passed away several hours later.

The passenger on the bike, Lewis Durham, sadly passed away at the scene as a result of the impact.

The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released on bail.

Paying tribute to Leslie, his family said:

“It is with a heavy heart that we write this message in tribute to Leslie Baron, known to us as “Lez”. He was a much-loved brother, uncle, and a friend to many.

“We would firstly like to thank the emergency services and the members of the public for all their efforts in helping him at the scene of the collision. We extend our praise to the hospital staff at Aintree Hospital also.

“Lez was a larger-than-life character who loved his dogs, riding his motorbike, and playing golf. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed deeply by us all.

“May he rest in peace; we will love you always.”