Man charged following fatal Burdon Road, Sunderland crash

Gloria Stephenson, 86, from the Silksworth area, died after being hit by an electric motorcycle while using a zebra crossing on the B1286 Burdon Road on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Emergency services were called to the incident, but sadly, Gloria died at the scene.

Gloria Stephenson, 86, died after being hit by a motorbike while using a zebra crossing near Lidcombe Close (Image: Family picture))

“It is with great sadness that our amazing mam, Gloria Stephenson, was tragically killed on the 16th of May,” a family tribute said.

“We are all devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful, and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great grandma.

“She was active, fit, healthy, and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her.”

Billy Stokoe, 19, of Sunderland, has now been charged with a series of driving offences, including causing death by dangerous driving and is due before court in January next year.

A spokesperson from Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts firmly remain with all of Gloria’s family and loved ones.

“We’d like to thank the public for their help so far.

“With charges now live, we’d urge everyone to refrain from any speculation both online and in the community that could jeopardise the upcoming criminal proceedings.”