A woman killed in a crash on the M62 has been described tonight as someone “everyone fell in love with”.
Kate Swale, 21, died in the early hours of Saturday, May 27. She was travelling as a passenger at the time of the collision between junction 5 for Roby and junction 6 for Tarbock Island.
Almost a week on from her death, Kate’s family have paid a heartfelt tribute to her memory and described how she was “idolised” by everyone she came across. In a statement released by Merseyside Police, they said: “From the moment Kate was born, everyone fell in love with her.
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“She was idolised by her parents Pat and Marvin, her brothers, grandparents, aunties and cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to her. Kate was adored by her boyfriend Jamie who she had recently been on holiday with.
“Kate enjoyed travelling and she was looking forward to planning a summer holiday with her friends. Kate will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her.”
Hundreds of people came together on Thursday night at Woolton Woods where Kate used to spend time with her friends. In a moment of quiet reflection, friends and family released balloons into the sky with messages to Kate, followed by a round of applause in her memory.
A prayer reading was also given by one of Kate’s friends as those gathered paid their own tribute. Merseyside Police is still appealing for any information to assist the ongoing investigation into Kate’s death.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation. Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the lead investigating officer from Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Following Kate’s death, I would like to thank the local community for their calls, emails and help with our investigation.
“Any road death causes a huge amount of heartache to family and friends left behind. My team will work relentlessly to get answers for Kate’s family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers.
"Our thoughts remain with them at this tragic time. The help of the public is paramount to assist in our investigation and I would ask anyone who has not yet made contact with my investigation team, who witnessed this collision or who has any information to please contact us.
“Alternatively, if you were driving in the vicinity of the M62 between junction 6 to 5 at the time of the crash, I ask that you please check your dashcam footage in case you have captured something which will assist in the investigation. Every piece of information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened.”
A JustGiving page set up in Kate’s memory has raised more than £13,000 in just three days. Funeral details are to be confirmed in due course.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Merseyside Police's Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000451662. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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