Tribute to 'kind and caring' man who died in Rossendale collision

A family has paid a heartfelt tribute to a ‘kind and caring’ man who died in a road traffic collision in Rossendale. 

Michael McTaggart, 20, from Rossendale, was driving a Renault Megane which collided with another car on Burnley Road East on Sunday morning.

Michael was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Paying tribute to Michael, his family said: “Michael Pearce McTaggart, aged 20, has sadly passed away following a road traffic collision in Rossendale.

“He was an avid drummer in his spare time and played in multiple bands.

“Growing up, Michael was a pupil at Haslingden High School and more recently worked as a carer, a testament to his kind and caring nature.

“He was the beloved son of Paul and Joan, and sibling to Kurt, Matthew and Nicole, and he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.”

Officers investigating the collision are appealing for residents on Burnley Road East – between Waterfoot and the scene of the collision - who have CCTV/ring door bell footage, to contact police.

Also, if any drivers had dashcam footage from the area around 3am on Sunday, they are asked to get in contact.

Please call 101 or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk, quoting log 0203 of 19^th May 2024.

Officers attended and found that a Renault Megane car travelling north in the direction of Burnley had collided with a Ford Kuga.

The Megane then collided with a car vehicle, with the Kuga colliding with three other parked vehicles.

The driver of the Megane – a man in his 20s – suffered serious injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Two passengers in the Megane were taken to hospital for treatment.

Sgt Daniel Gunn of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the man’s family and loved ones at this distressing time, and they will be supported by specially trained officers.

“We are appealing for anyone with properties on Burnley Road East between Waterfoot and the scene of the collision, who have CCTV or ring door bell footage, to contact police.

“Also, if anyone was travelling in the area and has dashcam footage from around the time of the collision, we again ask them to get in touch.

“The road was closed for several hours while we investigated the collision, and I would like to thank local residents for their patience during that time.”

Please contact 101 or email SCIU@lancashire.police.uk – quoting log 0203 of 19th May 2024.