A mother-of-two who died after being hit by a car while cycling has been described as a joyful animal-lover who cared ‘endlessly’ for everyone around her.
Michelle Tiller, 44, was riding her bicycle when she was killed in a crash with a car on Lindsay Avenue in Northampton at around 8.25am on Tuesday, September 1.
She was rushed to University Hospital Coventry, where she died just over two weeks later on Thursday, September 17.
An 80-year-old man from Northampton has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving.
He has been released on police bail pending further investigation.
Her grieving husband Robert has shared a moving tribute to his late wife, who he described as ‘the kindest person you could ever hope to meet’.
He said Michelle loved their two children, Riley, 20, and Cameron, 15, ‘with all her heart’.
The pair first met on a night out when they were 19, having attended the same school growing up.
Michelle Tiller, 44, and her husband Robert pictured at their wedding last year after 23 years together
Michelle was killed after a car crashed into her bicycle in Northampton
After 23 years together, Michelle and Robert married in 2025, which he said made him the ‘happiest and luckiest man in the world’.
In a heartbreaking tribute, Robert wrote: ‘Michelle grew up in Blackthorn in Northampton, and from the age of 13, when she got her first horse, she found a passion that stayed with her throughout her life.
‘Horses were never just a hobby to Michelle; they were part of who she was.
‘Michelle was one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. She was supportive, patient and endlessly caring towards everyone around her.
‘She always put others before herself and was the sort of person people naturally turned to when they needed help, comfort or encouragement.
‘She was a wonderful mother who loved her two sons with all her heart. If anything, she could be a little softer than me when it came to the boys, but that’s mums for you, isn’t it? Her love, kindness and understanding made her the centre of our family.
‘Michelle loved any excuse to have a sing and a dance. Rhythm may not have been her strongest talent, but that never stopped her.
‘She threw herself into everything with enthusiasm, bringing laughter and happiness wherever she went.’
Robert said that his wife ‘stepped up without hesitation’ when his own disabilities became more challenging, while continuing to work in supported living and caring for others.
He added: ‘She still managed the stables she loved and travelled everywhere by bicycle. She was incredibly fit, determined and hardworking, never complaining despite everything she took on.’
He said Michelle shared a ‘very special bond’ with their Springer Spaniel named Luna, with the ‘inseparable’ pair competing together in an agility competition this year.
Their close bond led to Luna joining them on their honeymoon as well as an anniversary trip.
Michelle shared a ‘very special bond’ with their Springer Spaniel Luna, who even accompanied the couple on their honeymoon
He said: ‘I might not have had much say in the matter, but Luna coming along was completely non-negotiable, and that always made me smile.
‘Michelle was fun-loving and genuinely happy. After the incident, one of the things that has stood out the most from the messages people have sent is how warm, friendly and joyful she was.
‘I have received so many messages from people who have spoken of her kindness and the positive impact she had on their lives.
‘Michelle just had a special way of making everyone feel welcome, valued and cared for.
‘Although we were together for 23 years before we finally got married, Michelle made me the happiest and luckiest man in the world. She was my best friend, my partner and my greatest supporter.
‘We should have had many more years together. Michelle always dreamed that one day we would be that old couple, walking hand in hand down the street.
‘I only wish we had been given the chance to grow old together and share those extra years she so wished for.
‘Michelle’s love, kindness, devotion and laughter will stay with all of us forever.
‘She was deeply loved, she will be deeply missed, and we will speak of her every day to remind ourselves of how lucky we were to be the ones she loved.’
Michelle also leaves behind her parents, Jim and Glennis, and sisters, Maxine and Natalie.
Northampton Police is appealing for anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
