Biker dies after bird collides with his helmet causing him to swerve and end up in ditch in Sheffield

A motorcyclist has died after a bird collided with his helmet while he was out riding in Sheffield.
By Lucy Leeson
Published 13th Apr 2021, 17:15 BST
Updated 14th Apr 2021, 06:34 BST

William Jackson, 73, was riding his blue Yamaha bike on Mortimer Road towards the junction with Sugworth Road at around 12.22pm on March 30.

After overtaking two other vehicles and returning to the correct side of the road, a bird flew from the offside and collided with his helmet. This reportedly caused the bike to leave the road and travel into a field, leaving Mr Jackson in a ditch.

Despite efforts to save him, he sadly died at the scene.

William Jackson.William Jackson.
William Jackson.

His family have today paid tribute to him.

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In a statement, they said: "Billy was a beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He lived life to the full and leaves us far too soon. With happy and fond memories he will be truly missed."

South Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the crash to contact them.

Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage.

Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting incident number 387 of March 30.