Tributes paid to teenagers after Rushyford motorcycle crash

Tributes have been paid to two much-loved teenagers who died in a motorcycle crash last week.

The families of 18-year-old Wayne Hodgson and 13-year-old Bobby Grimes paid a heartfelt tribute to the pair, who tragically died following a collision at Rushyford shortly before noon on Friday, July 5.

The teenagers, who were from Newton Aycliffe, were travelling on the same motorcycle which was involved in a collision with a car on Middridge Road, near to the Rushyford roundabout.

Wayne Hodgson was described as a loving son, brother, nephew and uncle.

His family released a statement today which read: “Wayne, you have left a massive hole in our hearts and lives.

“You are going to be missed for forever and a day. We love you always, our baby Wayne”.

Wayne’s family added that they would like to thank all those members of the public and from the emergency services who had tried to help at the scene.

The family of Bobby Grimes also released a tribute, following their loss.

They said: “Bobby was a greatly-loved son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson.

“He was a cheeky boy who loved to say ‘wise man’.  He will never be forgotten and missed forever”.

His family added that they particularly wished to thank the member of the public who gave Bobby first aid at the scene, saying: “he is a hero in our eyes”.

A police investigation has established there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash, but are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Investigators would particularly like to hear from anyone who saw or has dashcam footage of the motorcycle being driven between Ferryhill and Middridge in the minutes before the collision.

Anyone with any information relating to the incident is asked to contact Durham Constabulary Serious Collision Investigation Unit via [email protected] or on 101, quoting incident number 144 of July 5.