Tributes have been paid to a young Plymouth man who died in a tragic crash after being 'pursued by police'.
Michael Cockburn-Hilton, 23, from Plymouth, was pronounced dead at the scene following a two vehicle collision on Boringdon Hill at around 1.40pm on Saturday 13 December.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the incident followed prior police contact, triggering a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is now coudncting an independent investigation.
Michael’s family said they are devastated by the loss of their beloved son and brother. They said:
“We are devastated to share that our beloved son and brother Michael Cockburn-Hilton, has died.
“This tragedy has left our family heartbroken beyond words, and our lives will never be the same.
“At this time, we are focusing on honouring his life and supporting one another.
“We ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss."
Michael’s partner Hailey also shared a deeply personal tribute. She said:
“I am shattered by this loss.
“No words can express how much he meant to me and how much I will l miss him.
“The world is a darker place without his light guiding me home.”
At work, colleagues described the 23-year-old as far more than a co-worker, remembering a young man they say carried himself with a maturity beyond his years.
His work family said Michael joined Mayflower Auto Services almost five years ago, initially as a trainee vehicle technician, completing his NVQ3 with them and also obtaining his MOT tester licence, which they said he passed with flying colours. They said:
“Michael joined Mayflower Auto Services almost five years ago, initially as a trainee vehicle technician, completing his NVQ3 with us and additionally obtaining his MOT tester licence, which he passed with flying colours.
“The number of times we’d tell Michael, we wish we could mould him. For someone so young, he was mature beyond his years, loyal, dedicated, hardworking and a fantastic mechanic/tester who would also support his colleagues and mentor apprentices.
“Whilst Michael was an integral part of the Mayflower team, he was so much more than an employee, he was a beautiful human being, our friend, our family.
“The loss we feel is enormous, a void that will never be filled and we are simply heartbroken.
“Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go to Michael’s parents, sister, partner and extended family in this unimaginably difficult time.
“Michael was a credit to them all and will be forever missed beyond words."
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting log number 362 of 13 December 2025.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed the motorcyclist was being pursued by police. They said:
"We have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who was in collision with a vehicle in Plympton, Devon on Saturday 13 December.
"We were advised by Devon and Cornwall Police that a motorcyclist, aged 23, was being pursued by police after being suspected of having illegal number plates when the collision happened at around 1.40pm in Boringdon Hill.
"Officers gave first aid but, sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We declared an independent investigation at 3.50pm and are overseeing the police post incident procedure to gather evidence.
"Our sympathies are with the man’s loved ones and everyone affected by his death.”
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