Family pays tribute to teenager after tragic death in North Shields
Community support appreciated as police continue investigation
The family of McKenzie Ratcliffe has issued a heartfelt tribute following his tragic death in North Shields last week.
The 18-year-old died after his electric motorbike collided with a van on Waterville Road in the Meadow Well area at 5:25 PM on 19th August.
The van driver, a man in his 60s, remained on site to cooperate with the police investigation.
In their tribute, McKenzie's devastated parents expressed their deep sorrow, saying: “Our hearts are broken – nothing seems real. McKenzie was such an amazing young man - he had his whole life ahead of him.”
Thankful for the support received, his parents praised passers-by, especially one woman who continued CPR until emergency services arrived.
Acknowledging the pain felt by McKenzie's siblings, close family members, and his girlfriend Olivia Dillon, his parents reaffirmed her place in their family, particularly during this difficult time.
Sergeant Craig Bartle from Northumbria Police's Roads Policing Unit extended condolences to McKenzie's family and assured ongoing support.
He expressed gratitude for information shared by the public and encouraged those with further details or dashcam footage to assist in the continuing investigation.
Those with relevant information are urged to contact Northumbria Police through social media direct messages, the live chat or report forms found on the Force's website, or by calling 101, quoting reference NP-20260819-0748.
In honouring McKenzie, his family asks for respectful participation in memorial events celebrating his life.