The family of Salih Mehmed has paid tribute to him

Salih Mehmed

The family of Salih Mehmed, who died following a collision Bolton Road Rochdale, has paid tribute to him.

Salih’s Aunty Sevinc, said: “Salih’s parents are devastated and unable to find the strength to talk about their son. They fall in tears and are unable to come to terms with the death of their son. They are in shock and are grieving.

“Salih is their oldest son. He has a younger brother aged 16.

“He was a very quiet and sensible man. He was blonde, tall, good looking, lively and down to earth. He was easy-going, always cheerful and friendly with people surrounding him.

“He was intelligent and would never say anything bad to hurt anyone. He would always talk softly.

“He was born and brought up in his hometown Aytos, Bulgaria. He went to high school in Bulgaria and played volleyball for the local team “Lukoil”.

“He went to university at Veliko Tirnovo, Bulgaria where he studied for three years. He was a very ambitious student. He was able and capable and eager to achieve and do well in his life.

“As a young and ambitious student, he made enquiries and upon completion of the third year of university, he travelled to the UK.

“He found work at Argos in Heywood via an agency in July 2015. He told his parents that he would travel to the UK and make his future there. He told them that in the UK, there are more opportunities and that he would continue with his education in the UK - that was a dream come true for him.

“Unfortunately, my precious nephew did not live to see that dream come true.”

“He had his whole life to live ahead of him”

Sometime before 10.50pm on Monday 12 December 2016 a red Seat Ibiza carrying three men was driving along Bolton Road.

The car was heading in the direction of Edinburgh Way when it crossed onto the opposite side of the road and collided with a tree.

Salih Mehmed, who was a front seat passenger, was taken to hospital where he died on Tuesday (13 December).

The driver of the car, a 22-year-old man, sustained minor bruising which did not require hospital treatment. A 23-year-old man travelling in the back was uninjured.

Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Sergeant Paul Higgins of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “My thoughts remain with Salih’s family during this heart-breaking time and I’d like to thank them for their bravery and support as we continue with the investigation.

“We are continuing with our enquiries and I’m urging anyone who has information about the collision or anyone who saw the Seat Ibiza driving prior to the collision to get in touch.

“We believe the car travelled from Heywood Distribution Centre to Pilsworth Road before turning right onto York Street, then onto Rochdale Road East, before the collision on Bolton Road.”

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106878/man-dies-after-car-collision-with-tree