Cyclist killed in collision was 'kindest person'

News imageNorthants Police Michelle Tiller sits in a bar in front of a table. She has a cocktail on the table with a shot glass next to it. She wears a blue strappy dress and is smiling. Northants Police
Michelle Tiller, who "travelled everywhere by bicycle", died from her injuries after she was struck by a car

The husband of a cyclist who died following a serious collision has paid tribute to the "endlessly caring" mother of two.

Michelle Tiller, 44, was riding a bicycle that collided with a black Volvo V60 in Lindsay Avenue, Northampton at about 08:25 BST on 1 September.

She was taken to University Hospital Coventry but died of her injuries on Thursday.

An 80-year-old man from Northampton has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and released on police bail pending further investigation.

News imageNorthants Police Michelle Tiller sits in a carriage with her husband on their wedding day. She is holding a bunch of white flowers and is wearing a diamante band in her hair. She is wearing a white dress and looks at her husband Robert, who looks back at her. He is wearing a three-piece grey checked suit with a white shirt and blue tie. He is holding a walking cane. Northants Police
The couple married just over a year ago, having been together 23 years

She leaves a husband, Robert, their two sons Riley, 20, and Cameron, 15, and a large extended family.

In a statement issued by Northamptonshire Police, her husband, who she met when they were both 19, said she had been his "best friend" and "greatest supporter".

He said she had grown up in Blackthorn, Northampton, and was "the kindest person you could ever hope to meet".

As well as a passion for horses, she had a "special bond" with their dog Luna, who joined the couple on their honeymoon after they married just over a year ago.

"She always put others before herself and was the sort of person people naturally turned to when they needed help, comfort or encouragement," he said.

"She was a wonderful mother who loved her two sons with all her heart.

"Her love, kindness and understanding made her the centre of our family."

News imageNorthants Police Michelle Tiller stands on a footpath next to a grassy verge which borders a waterway. Her dog, a springer spaniel called Luna, is by her side. Northants Police
Michelle Tiller had a special bond with the couple's dog Luna, her husband said

He continued: "Michelle loved any excuse to have a sing and a dance. Rhythm may not have been her strongest talent, but that never stopped her."

He said after the fatal collision, he had received many messages from people saying "how warm, friendly and joyful she was" and the "positive impact she had on their lives".

When his disabilities became "more challenging" 14 years ago, his wife had "stepped up without hesitation" to look after him, he said.

She continued working in supported living, managing a stables and travelling "everywhere by bicycle".

"Michelle's love, kindness, devotion and laughter will stay with all of us forever," he added.

Northamptonshire Police has appealed for any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to it, to get in touch.

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