The family of a father-of-four killed in a horror quad bike crash has spoken of their heartbreak - and their agony at having to choose who attended his funeral amid the lockdown.
The inconsolable parents of Tariq Khan have not stopped crying since their beloved son died earlier this week, his cousin Wahid Khan has said.
The 36-year-old suffered fatal injuries in a collision in Bolton on Wednesday evening (May 6).
The accident, involving Tariq’s Suzuki quad bike and a white Mercedes, happened at around 7.30pm in Green Lane, Great Lever.
He was thrown from the bike after the impact of the crash forced it over to the kerb, where it hit a metal fence.
Paramedics fought to save him but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Now his cousin has opened up about the devastation his family have endured since Tariq’s tragic passing.
Wahid Khan, 40, said he was inundated with messages from those wanting to attend popular Tariq’s funeral after he died.
He was buried in the early hours of Thursday morning with only 15 people allowed to attend – something Wahid said was heart-wrenching for the family.
He said: “He was the life and soul of the party. He was a bubbly character who got along with everyone.
“If you met him, within 10 minutes he would become your best friend.
“We’re all devastated. His mum has not stopped crying, not even for three minutes.
“It’s really hard because yesterday we got to see him in the coffin.
“We were only allowed 15 at the funeral and 25 in the graveyard.
“I was getting non-stop messages from people who wanted to attend.
“But because of the limit of 25 people, it was frustrating because so many people wanted to go.”
Tariq had grown up in Great Lever and had recently opened a boxing gym.
Described as a “doting dad”, he leaves behind a wife and four children.
Wahid continued: “We have a close-knit family so we will support them where we can.
“The two eldest were at the burial, they know what’s going on. They were crying their eyes out.
“We kept the younger two out the way, they are a bit too young.
“He was a very liked character. He touched everyone.
“It’s going to be a big loss for the community and overall.”
A 25-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning.
Anyone with information is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 2536 of May 6. Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
