A teenage motorcyclist was killed in a crash within hours of leaving his 19-year-old girlfriend with the words I love you.'

Anthony Pearson, 19, had told his girlfriend Jolene Glennon he would see her in a "couple of hours" as he left her home in Halifax before returning to his mum's home in Argent Way, Holme Wood.

But just 30 minutes after seeing his mum Michelle Pearson, the teenager was fatally injured when his Yamaha bike was in collision with a Toyota Carina in Broadstone Way, Holme Wood.

Mr Pearson was treated at the scene by paramedics but died later at Bradford Royal Infirmary with his mum and her partner Jonathan Gray at his side.

Miss Glennon said the couple, who had been together for about a year, had been trying for a baby and were hoping to get married. "I'm lost without him," she said. "Anthony had been with me in Halifax and was going to come back in a couple of hours. His last words to me were See you in two hours. I love you.' "He was wearing all his protective gear and had his helmet on. He never left the house without his gear. He was so thoughtful and soft-hearted. We wanted to get married and we were looking at engagement rings. We were trying for a baby. I loved him to bits. He thought about everyone before himself." Mr Pearson had been a fan of motorbikes since he was a small child and was well known on the motocross circuit.

His mum and her partner raced to the scene of the crash as soon as they heard.

"Two of his best friends were holding him," said Miss Pearson, 39. "Anthony lived for his bikes and he knew how to ride them better than anyone else. He knew bikes inside out and he was so good on a bike that everyone respected him. He has been my rock over the past few years."

Miss Pearson, her six-year-old son Lewis and her partner Mr Gray, 24, have been flooded with tributes and support from Mr Pearson's friends. His closest pals Wayne Lee and Sean Simpson said: "Goodbye to our brother from the Three Muskateers."

"Anthony's mates have been so kind and supportive," said Miss Pearson. "He was a very well loved boy on this estate. He had a heart of gold."

Mr Pearson, a former pupil of St Columba's school and Yorkshire Martyrs, had previously worked as a contract labourer but wanted to become a motorbike mechanic or race bikes professionally.

His dad Lee Pearson, 35, of Dewsbury, said: "He was a good lad. It can't be put into words. I just want him to come back through the door."

As people continued to lay flowers at the scene yesterday, police appealed for information about the crash which happened at about 6.30pm on Saturday.

DI Steve Hopwood of Bradford South CID said: "A young man has lost his life and it is important we build up an accurate picture of what occurred on Saturday evening."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford South Road Traffic Police on 01274 376459.

  • A 34-year-old-man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed pending further inquiries.
  • e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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