Tributes paid after body of man, 25, is found in Crooke

An outpouring of grief was evident on social media pages with the 25-year-old named locally as Nathan Christy.

The Evening Post understands Mr Christy was pals with Joseph Pidgeon, 25, who died earlier this month in a motorway collision on the M6, between the Haydock and Ashton junctions.

The pair were classmates at St John Fisher High School in Beech Hill.

The emergency services were called just before 11pm on Sunday to a location off Crooke Road in Crooke Village and the death is being treated as non-suspicious, police have said.

Lesley Brennan, on the Wigan Today Facebook page, said: “Such tragic news, always a lovely smiling face, rest in peace.”

Robert Fagan posted: “Rest in peace pal, can’t believe you’re gone, you won’t be forgotten.”

Paul Davies said: “Tragic news, he was a wonderful young man, thinking and praying for your family during this said time.”

A collection of floral tributes built up throughout Monday in the village, close to the Crooke Hall Inn.

One read: “Can’t believe you’re gone, pal. Really going to miss that smile and banter.”

Another read: “Will always remember the good times. You will be truly missed. Hope you are at peace now.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Shortly before 10.45pm on Sunday, police were called to an area of land just off Crooke Road, Wigan, to reports that the body of a man had been found.

“Officers attended and found the body of a 25-year-old man.

“There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Julie Barrington said: “Just can’t believe it, what a decent young man this lad was, so sad, thoughts to all his mates and his family.”