UPDATE: Family pay tribute to victim of road traffic collision in Blackbrook

The family of the motorcyclist killed in a road traffic collision near Newcastle-under-Lyme on Friday (23 April) have paid tribute to him.

Thomas Lee Rhodes, aged 21, from Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, died at the A51 junction of Wharmadine Lane in Blackbrook following a collision involving a lorry.

His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, and have released a statement paying tribute to their “amazing son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, brother and best friend”.

They said: “On 23 April 2021 our lives changed for the worse. We lost the most amazing son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, brother and best friend anyone could ever wish for. It breaks our hearts knowing that we won’t ever get to see you in person again.

“You were always there for anyone who needed you and were always there to put a smile on our faces, no matter what time of day it was.

“No-one can quite believe what’s happened and you will be dearly missed by many people, especially your family and close friends.

“We all love you so very, very much. A biker never truly dies, they just ride the clouds instead.

“Until we all meet again, rest in peace Tom. Love you to the moon and stars and back, forever and always.”

No other comment will be made at this time and people are asked to respect the privacy of the family as they deal with this difficult time.

Officers from the Staffordshire and West Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit are still appealing for information, asking anyone who saw a black Suzuki motorcycle or LGV in the area in the moments leading up to the collision to get in touch.

Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 405 of 23 April, call 101 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.