Matt Drakett: Tragedy as teen involved in Swallownest motorbike crash dies

A 19-year-old boy involved in a motorbike crash yesterday sadly died, South Yorkshire Police have revealed.

Tragedy struck when the teen, named locally as Matt Drackett, was riding a motorbike which was involved in a collision with a van on Aughton Road, Swallownest, at 1.24pm yesterday.

The bike caught fire as a result of the crash and Matt was pronounced dead at the scene.

South Yorkshire Police said: "We were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a silver van on Aughton Road in Rotherham at 1.24pm. The motorcycle caught fire as a result of the collision.

"The rider of the motorcycle, a 19-year-old man, was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"No further injuries are reported and the driver of the van remained at the scene and is assisting our enquiries."

Aughton Road was closed for a number of hours while emergency services worked at the scene and police investigation work was carried out yesterday. It has since been reopened.

Last night a group gathered at the crash scene to remember Matt. Fireworks were set off in his memory.

Tributes have also been paid to the teenager online.

One friend posted: "My heart's never hurt as much as it does today. Forever love you."

Another tribute reads: "Will forever be in our heart, will forever be missed."

Another tribute described Matt as a "good kid" and another reads: "He will be forever missed by everyone, got taken way too young."

Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 413 of November 15.