Inquest opened into death of Little Lever man killed in Montenegro

Assistant Coroner Michael Salt formally opened the inquest into the death of Jack Rourke at Rochdale Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, June 17.

The hearing was told that Jack, who was born on November 8, 2002, and lived on Tonge Road, Little Lever, died on May 24 this year while abroad in Montenegro.

Police Coroner’s Officer Jane Sullivan, of Greater Manchester Police, said Jack had been travelling in Montenegro for several weeks.

(Image: Lisa Rourke)

She told the court that on May 24 he had been driving to collect his girlfriend from the airport when the collision occurred.

Ms Sullivan said: “On the way to their accommodation, a car clipped the side of his vehicle and his car overturned.

“Unfortunately, Jack was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Ms Sullivan also confirmed that on June 3 a senior police coroner’s officer attended the funeral service to formally confirm Jack’s identity.

Mr Salt said: “I agree this is an unnatural death and will be opening an inquest in due course.”

A full “read-only” inquest hearing has been scheduled for September 14, 2026.

Jack’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from family and friends in Little Lever.

His family previously described the 23-year-old as a devoted son, brother and friend whose death had left a “void in many lives.”

Speaking after his death, his mother Lisa Rourke said she missed the constant messages and phone calls from her son.

She said: “He never used to leave me alone, 20 to 30 times a day. He was asking me the daftest things, like ‘How do I cook chicken wings?’ or ‘How do I turn on the washer?’.

“I miss getting messages from him.”

(Image: Lisa Rourke)

He was a keen football fan who supported both Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United and was affectionately remembered by relatives as the village’s “maddest goalkeeper”.

His sister Ellie previously described him as “the best big brother to ask for”, while his grandfather Graham Cooksey said he loved family life and spending time with relatives and friends.

His father John said he particularly missed their regular outings together, adding: “We went all over, had many lads’ days out as dad and son.”

According to reports in Montenegro, another driver was arrested and charged following the collision.

Local media also reported that Mr Rourke’s passenger suffered serious injuries and received treatment at Kotor Hospital.