The family of a Bolton-born man who was killed after being hit by a car have paid tribute to their “brilliant big brother” and “passionate caring soul”.
Paramedics were called to Westgate in Morecambe at around 2:10 a.m. on Sunday (August 15) after a pedestrian was reportedly hit by a vehicle.
When they got to the scene, it was discovered that a Honda Civic was headed towards A589 Morecambe Road when it was involved in a collision with a man on the road.
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The pedestrian was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as John-Mark Ratcliffe, 36.
John-Mark grew up in Bolton with his sisters Rhiannon and Angelique as a child before moving to Morecambe as a family.
His sister, Rhiannon Roberts, told LancsLive that she was informed of his death when police visited her at her home in Scotland, where she now lives.
John-Mark Ratcliffe with his sisters Rhiannon and Angelique
(Image: Rhiannon Roberts / LancsLive)
Rhiannon has since started an online fundraiser on GoFundMe to help her mother meet her funeral expenses.
The family also hopes to have some sort of permanent memorial near where John-Mark sadly lost his life.
“He was a free spirit who loved life and adventure,” added Rhiannon.
“He was a passionate, caring soul, and everyone who knew John-Mark knew how caring and kind he was.
He would do anything for anyone without asking questions.
John-Mark Ratcliffe
(Image: Rhiannon Roberts / LancsLive)
“He loved drawing, music and building bicycles, although his real passion was science.
“The universe surprised him and he never stopped learning new things.
“His love for his family was deep and we will never stop loving him again.”
John-Mark’s sister said an autopsy should be done before her brother’s body can be released and the funeral arranged.
“We all moved to Morecambe a long time ago; my mother lives here, ”said the 28-year-old.
“He was a brilliant big brother; he always looked after me when I was little and we always played together. “
Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding John Mark’s death.
Sergeant Marc Glass of the Lancashire Police Tactical Operations said, “This is a very sad and tragic incident and my thoughts are with the man’s family at this very difficult time.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to call the police on 101 or email 555@lancashire.police.uk quoting log 0194 dated August 15.
Find the fundraiser for John Mark’s funeral here.
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