Family's tribute as police name man who died in crash on A65 near Clapham

The family of a 28-year-old man who died in a crash has said their lives "will never be the same again".
Joseph Michael Keane.Joseph Michael Keane.
Joseph Michael Keane.

Police have today named Joseph Michael Keane as the man who died after a collision on the A65 between Clapham and Ingleton, just north of the turn off to Bentham, at around 4.15pm on Friday.

A white, flatbed truck, which was converted into a home-made campervan, was travelling towards Ingleton and crashed with the Peugeot in which Mr Keane was a passenger.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement, Mr Keane's family said: "It is not possible to describe just how much Joe was loved by his mum and dad, sister, girlfriend and all his family and friends. He was such a kind, considerate loving person and we have been privileged to have had him in our lives for 28 years.

"He had a lovely dry, warm sense of humour which endeared him to whomever was lucky enough to have been in his presence.

"His passions in life were for his family and friends and a love of books. He hated social injustice and advocated for people who were least able to help themselves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"His loss has left us bereft and the only comfort we have is being surrounded by the people who loved him most. He was such a special, beautiful person, we have been enriched by his presence and the pain of his loss means our lives will never be the same again. "

The driver of the campervan conversion was arrested at the scene but has been released while under investigation to allow for further police enquiries.

And the driver of a decommissioned ambulance has been charged with a number of offences after it left the crash scene. He is due to appear at Skipton Magistrates' Court on August 17, but is not under investigation for the fatal collision itself.

He has been charged with the following in relation to a police pursuit and collision in Kildwick: dangerous driving; driving while disqualified; failing to stop for the police; failing to provide a specimen for analysis; obstructing a railway; and riving without insurance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Man faces charges after crashing decommissioned ambulance onto railway track at KildwickPolice are appealing to anyone with any dash-cam footage or who saw either the converted campervan or a decommissioned ambulance travelling along the A65 before the crash and to anyone who witnessed the collision, to contact them if they have not already done so.

The converted campervan was quite distinctive "due to the crudeness of its conversion", North Yorkshire Police said, which is described as a flatbed truck converted into a camper.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option one and ask for Traffic Sergeant Hamish Halloway or TC Gemma Brett. People can also email [email protected] or [email protected]

Quote reference 12180126976 when passing information.