Cody Lowndes has been officially named as the 27-year-old man who tragically died following a police pursuit on the M56 motorway in Greater Manchester. The fatal incident occurred on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, near Wythenshawe, prompting an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the police chase.
Details of the M56 Police Pursuit and Fatal Collision
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the sequence of events began shortly before 7:30 p.m. Officers first spotted a red motorcycle being driven dangerously on the clockwise M60 near the Stockport Pyramid.
The pursuit then moved onto the M56 motorway. Police stated that officers made tactical contact with the motorcycle near junction 5, close to Manchester Airport, and brought the vehicle to a stop between junctions 3 and 4 near Wythenshawe. After the stop, Lowndes fled the motorcycle on foot and attempted to run across the active motorway lanes, where another vehicle struck him.
Family Pays Tribute to Cody Lowndes
Following the tragedy, the grieving family of Cody Lowndes released a statement remembering him as a devoted father and a best friend who was actively trying to improve his life.
“Cody was turning his life around. The knowledge that his beautiful daughter will never know the real Cody that we all knew and loved is a hurt that we will struggle to heal, along with the knowledge that we will never get to see Cody live his life to his full potential. The potential we knew he always had,” the family shared.
The family’s statement further reflected on his personal journey:
“We will always love Cody, and he will live on in our hearts and memories. Please let us mourn Cody in peace, as a family. As a family we are heartbroken that our best friend Cody has passed away. Cody struggled throughout his life as people may have known, despite the love and care of his family. Cody finally found a purpose in his life through his beautiful baby.”
Independent Investigation Underway
Because law enforcement was involved immediately before the fatal collision, standard protocols were triggered. The incident has been referred for an independent investigation. This probe will examine the actions and decisions made by Greater Manchester Police officers during the pursuit leading up to the tragedy on the M56.
Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses. Anyone who saw the incident or holds relevant dashcam footage of the red motorcycle or the subsequent collision between junctions 3 and 4 is urged to come forward and assist with the inquiry.
