Tributes have been paid to a parent and son who died in a crash on Ripponden Road yesterday (Saturday, December 23).

Clair, 42, and her son Sam, 15, died at the scene on the road towards Denshaw following a crash with a BMW at around 4pm.

The driver of the BMW has since been arrested, while a 13-year-old passenger in the same car as Clair and Sam was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

In a tribute, Clair and Sam's family said: 

“Clair was a smart, loving parent, daughter and sister who would do anything for anyone.

“Prior to the pandemic, Clair worked at the Bolton Theatre, supporting those facing Mental Health challenges.

“She loved going to pottery class every week and was such a creative person and she could go from a lump of clay to making whatever she put her mind to."

The Oldham Times: Clair was a creative person who worked at Bolton TheatreClair was a creative person who worked at Bolton Theatre (Image: GMP)

“Sam was in Year 11, looking forward to studying music at college; he loved to sing and to play the drums. Listening to music was one of Sam’s favourite things to do, he was always around the house with his headphones on.

“When Sam wasn’t listening to music, he could be found in a world of his own playing on his computer. Sam’s family meant the world to him; he was a brother and son whose loss will leave a hole in our family forever.

“Christmas without Sam and Clair will be immensely difficult not only for us, but for everybody that knew them both.”

The Oldham Times: Sam was set to start studying music at collegeSam was set to start studying music at college (Image: GMP)

The family asks for privacy as they grieve during this difficult time.

As of midday today, the driver of a black BMW X5 was being held in custody after they were arrested at the scene.

PC Thomas Johnson, of Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with their family who are being supported by officers at this really difficult time.

“If you can help or have any information that may assist our enquiries, then please contact our Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident 2304 of 23/12/2023.

"Information can also be reported online at www.gmp.police.uk.”