Family release tribute to 'caring and hard-working' woman following her death in Bury

The family of a woman who was found dead at a house in Bury have paid tribute to her.

Barbara Nomakhosi, aged 35, was discovered with multiple injuries, upon which officers were called to an address on Walnut Avenue, at approximately 10.30pm on Friday night (6 September). It is believed she had died earlier that evening.

A spokesperson for her family said: “Barbara was a caring and hard-working person. She was so thoughtful and always checking up on her family and friends. Barbara loved her family and enjoyed working as a carer. We loved Barbara so much and life will not be the same without her."

Specialist officers are continuing to support her family as work continues into the circumstances of her death. 

Officers identified a suspect following her death, and believe that he subsequently died in a fatal collision between a HGV and a pedestrian on the M65 Eastbound at approximately 9pm that same evening.

The man, in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other suspects are being sought in connection with Barbara’s death at this time and there is no wider risk to the public.

Extensive enquiries are still ongoing as officers work through the full circumstances of both the incidents, with both GMP and Lancashire officers progressing the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Davis, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I know just how much Barbara’s family will miss her and I hope that the memories of her can provide comfort as they begin to come to terms with this heart-breaking loss.

“This is a complex investigation which is very much ongoing and we remain in contact with colleagues in Lancashire as they progress their own investigation into the circumstances of the fatal collision.

“We are not currently seeking anyone else in connection with this tragic incident and I want to reassure residents that there is no wider threat to the community. We will continue to support Barbara’s family and will be doing everything we can to help them through this process.”

If anyone has any information that they think would be helpful, please get in touch with officers. You can contact us via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 4106 of 06/09/24.

Similarly, if you have any footage or information about the fatal collision, you can contact Lancashire Police quoting log 1512 of September 6.

You can email their Serious Collision Investigation Unit at SCIU@lancashire.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.