Former Armed Robber Passes Away in Motorcycle Accident
An inquest revealed that Pave “Paul” Corkovic, a former armed robber, tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident while heading home from a day out. The incident occurred on June 22, 2024, when his green Kawasaki Z900 hit a kerb and crashed into the central reservation on Albion Way in Salford, Greater Manchester. Corkovic, who was 60 years old, succumbed to multiple injuries at the scene of the crash. Despite his troubled past as the leader of a notorious gang involved in violent robberies during the 1990s, he was reported to have turned his life around and embraced fatherhood.
Eyewitness accounts detailed the moments leading up to the fatal crash. Lee Reading described seeing the motorcycle collide with the kerb, ejecting Corkovic over the central reservation into bushes. Despite efforts to save him, Corkovic could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. The inquest revealed that Corkovic had a negligible amount of alcohol in his system, with no evidence of drugs. His friend, Sean Devalda, recounted that they had been on a day trip to Southport before tragedy struck as they were nearing their homes.
Further investigation by police and collision experts found no defects in Corkovic’s motorcycle or the road surface that could have caused the crash. The weather conditions were reported to be clear and dry at the time of the incident. While CCTV footage did not capture the crash itself, evidence suggested that Corkovic’s bike had struck the kerb before veering into the central reservation. The inquest concluded that Corkovic had lost control of his motorcycle, leading to the fatal outcome.
The inquest also addressed concerns about a raised grid on the road, where the crash occurred. However, experts and investigators dismissed the possibility that the grid played a significant role in the accident. Detective Sergeant Matthew Waggett confirmed that there was no indication of a road defect that could have contributed to the crash. Assistant Coroner Stephen Teasdale recorded the cause of death as “multiple injuries” and ruled out the involvement of any other parties in the incident.
Despite Corkovic’s past criminal activities, the focus of the inquest remained on the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. The tragic event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of road accidents and the importance of road safety for all motorists. The inquest provided closure for Corkovic’s family and friends, shedding light on the sequence of events that led to the loss of a life.
The story of Pave “Paul” Corkovic serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential consequences of losing control while operating a motorcycle. It underscores the need for vigilance and responsibility on the road, regardless of one’s past. The inquest’s findings offer insights into the factors contributing to the accident and emphasise the importance of safe riding practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Corkovic’s legacy, tainted by his criminal past, now includes a sorrowful end on a fateful day in June. May his story serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the significance of making responsible choices while navigating the roadways.