Family of teenager killed in North Shields road collision pay tribute to 'amazing young man'
The parents of a teenager who died following a collision in North Shields last week have paid tribute to their son.
McKenzie Ratcliffe died after the electric motorbike he was riding collided with a van on Waterville Road in the Meadow Well area at 5.25pm on Wednesday, August 19.
The driver of the van – a man aged in his 60s – remained at the scene to assist with officers’ enquiries.
McKenzie’s family are continuing to receive support from Northumbria Police officers following his tragic death and the 18-year-old’s parents have now thanked people for their support.
In a tribute to McKenzie, who worked as an apprentice electrician, they said: “Our hearts are broken – nothing seems real.
“McKenzie was such an amazing young man. He had his whole life ahead of him.”
“We want to thank each and every person for their love and support at this awful and sad time – nothing has gone unnoticed.
“We would also like to thank passers-by, especially the lady that didn’t stop doing CPR on our boy until the emergency services attended and also thank the emergency services for doing their best.
“McKenzie leaves behind so many broken hearts, his brother Leighton, his two sisters Brogan and Bonnie, his nana, grandads, uncles, aunt and so many more and not to forget his friends.
“McKenzie also leaves his girlfriend Olivia. Olivia was McKenzie’s world and she will always be a part of our family, even more so now.”
McKenzie’s parents added: “The love everyone is showing us as a family is unbelievable.
“We would ask that anyone taking part in memorial events to McKenzie does so respectfully.”
Sergeant Craig Bartle, of Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with McKenzie’s family and we are continuing to support them during this extremely difficult time.
“We would like to thank everyone who has provided information towards our investigation so far and ask that anyone else who has details which could assist us please get in touch.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage that could assist investigators is asked to contact Northumbria Police.
This can be done by either sending a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or report forms on the force’s website.
For those unable to make contact via those ways, call 101. Please quote reference NP-20260819-0748.