THE inquest into the death of a ‘beloved’ grandmother killed in a tragic motorbike crash was suspended as criminal investigations into the incident are still ongoing.

Nicola Connolly, of Murdishaw in Runcorn, died after a crash on the A533 Northwich Road, Bartington, on September 15 last year.

The 54-year-old had been a passenger on a Benelli TRK motorbike when it collided with a Ford Transit flatbed tipper.  

The Runcorn resident was airlifted to the Walton Centre in Liverpool, but died on Sunday, September 17.

An inquest into her death was opened on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, but was suspended on Wednesday September 9, at the request of Cheshire Police, as criminal investigations are still ongoing.

The coroner will review the case on December 16.

The rider of the motorbike, a 53-year-old man from Runcorn, was also taken to hospital with minor injuries, and has since been discharged.

The driver of the tipper, a 29-year-old man from Runcorn, was not injured.

A tribute from Nicola’s family read: “On Sunday, September 17, Nicola Jane Connolly tragically died after being involved in a road traffic collision in Cheshire.

“Nicola was a loving member of the community and the local schools. Her roles as a classroom assistant, midday assistant, and lollipop lady were for her, a devotion rather than a job.

“Nicola was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie, and beloved friend to many. Words cannot describe how much she will truly be missed.

“We would like to thank the emergency services and members of the public for their help during the incident and ask that our privacy is respected at this this difficult time.”