Trucker horrified as he seesson leap to death from M62

A LORRY driver was horrified after seeing his son burst out of his vehicle before hurling himself 140ft from a motorway bridge to his death.

Matthew Smith, 37, was travelling on the M62 in a truck driven by his father, when he is understood to have become increasingly distressed, prompting the concerned parent to slow down and pull over to the hard shoulder.

The keen rugby player then jumped over railings and leapt to his death despite his father’s best efforts.

Mr Smith leaves a three-year-old daughter and long-term partner Emily Duggan, 25.

Miss Duggan’s brother, Lee Brook, said the couple’s daughter had just started nursery.

“They have had their hard times but were getting back on track and we are shattered and trying to be there for Emily,” said Mr Brook, 37.

The couple, who lived in Elland, West Yorkshire, had recently entered a wedding competition in which they spoke of their plans to tie the knot.

They said: “We have talked of marriage. However, with the recession, 2009 proved to be a hard year financially. Matthew worked in construction and finding work has been hard.

“To support our family he took on other work at a low wage which left us with no chance of saving for a big day. Sadly, in recent months we have lost close family and friends. After seven years together, marriage would definitely be the icing on the ‘wedding’ cake.”

Mr Smith played amateur rugby league for Siddal ARLFC in West Yorkshire and had been looking forward to resuming his career with the club after a ban was recently overturned.

The prop forward was known by everyone at the club, having played there since he was a junior.

Siddal first-team manager Steve Dyson said: “He was a well respected member of Siddal ARLFC. He was a very popular, well-liked member of the club.”

The team held a minute’s silence ahead of Saturday’s game against Skirlaugh from Hull and both the first and second teams wore black arm bands.

“It was a very solemn affair at the rugby club, everyone was very upset about what had happened,” said Mr Dyson. “We are a nice community club and we have had a lot of good wishes from other clubs.

“He was well respected throughout the amateur game and an active member of the club. It is a great shock to everybody at the club. Matthew was the life and soul and everyone got on with him.”

Players visiting Siddal from both Skirlaugh and another club, Parkers, held a collection for Mr Smith’s family on Saturday and Siddal is planning to add to it.

Mr Smith’s body was discovered beneath the bridge after the incident which happened at 5.50am on Friday between junction 22 at Rishworth, West Yorkshire, and junction 21 Milnrow, over Rakewood viaduct.

His father managed to call police before moving his lorry to safety away from other vehicles travelling down the motorway.

Greater Manchester Police said the man’s father was extremely shocked and was being looked after by specially-trained police officers.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “There are no suspicious circumstances and inquiries are continuing.”