Friends have paid tribute to ‘one of life’s good guys’ Paul Wadsworth
14:38, 11 Sep 2025Updated 17:11, 11 Sep 2025
Tributes: Paul Wadsworth(Image: GMP/FAMILY)
Tributes are being paid to a former soldier and community champion called ‘one of life’s good guys’ by friends who died in a motorbike collision.
Emergency services attended Partington Street in Failsworth, Oldham, at around 3.40pm on Tuesday afternoon following a crash involving a motorbike and a car.
The motorcyclist, named by police on Thursday as 46 year-old Paul Wadsworth, from Failsworth, tragically died at the scene.
His family, meanwhile, paid tribute to ‘a man with a heart of gold’ in a tribute issued by Greater Manchester Police.
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Father-of-two Mr Wadsworth, who worked in event security, served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for seven years and completed tours of duty in Kosovo and Bosnia.
He was a well-known and respected supporter of the Royal British Legion in Failsworth, and was a branch chairman.
Mr Wadsworth was also actively involved in the Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday every November.
Police at the scene(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Tributes are being paid on social media to ‘one of life’s good guys’ and ‘a pillar’ of the community in Failsworth. Friends called him a ‘stand up guy’ who worked tirelessly to support other veterans.
A cordon was put in place on Partington Street throughout Tuesday evening, between Ashton Road West and Wagstaff Drive, after the collision.
It’s understood it happened close to a parade of shops.
Police said a car collided with the motorbike Mr Wadsworth was riding. The driver of the car remained at the scene.
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In a statement issued by GMP today, his family said: “It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved dad, husband, son, brother, and uncle, Paul Wadsworth, who sadly left us on Tuesday, September 9.
Tributes and flowers left for former soldier killed in motorbike crash
“Paul’s loss will be deeply felt, not only by his family, but also by the many within the community whose lives he touched.
“A man with a heart of gold, he was always there to help others, and his kindness will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Paul.”
Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is investigating and has issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.
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