Mum of M62 victim: "Callum was a beautiful happy soul"

The 12 year old was struck by a car on the M62 on Saturday (5 August)

Callum Rycroft
Author: May NormanPublished 7th Aug 2023
Last updated 8th Aug 2023

Police can also now formally name the victim of the collision as 12-year-old Callum Rycroft from Leeds.

In a statement, Callum’s mother paid a tribute to her son.

She said: “Callum was a beautiful happy soul who was unique, great fun and larger than life. He brought light, laughter and noise into any room.

“Callum had a massive impact on everyone who met him. The house is so quiet without him here.

“We are devastated at what has happened and request that people respect our wish for privacy at this difficult time. We are very grateful for the support and kind comments we have received.”

Man charged

A man is due to appear before magistrates tomorrow (Tuesday) after being charged following an incident in which a young boy lost his life on the M62.

Matthew Rycroft, 36, of Nowell View, Leeds will appear before Leeds Magistrates Court charged with causing/allowing the death of a child in an incident on Saturday, 5 August.

He was also charged with failing to provide a specimen.

Officers are continuing enquiries into the collision in which a Toyota C-HR car struck Callum on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, between junctions 25 and 26 at around 9.50pm.

As previously disclosed, it is believed Callum had been walking on the motorway with a man after an earlier collision involving an Audi Q5 on the slip road to Hartshead Moor services.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in that collision.

A 47-year-old male who was the driver of the Toyota, was earlier today arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.