Family's heartbreaking plea after 'bubbly' Leeds mum dies on M621 motorway

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Emma Ramsden, 34, died after gaining access to the M621 in the early hours of April 10. Her family are now calling for motorway civilian access points to be blocked

Abigail Hunt Content Editor and Samuel Port

11:16, 18 Aug 2026Updated 11:17, 18 Aug 2026

The late Emma Ramsden, 34(Image: Lisa Ramsden)

A heartbroken family have issued a desperate plea following the tragic suicide of a "bubbly" Leeds mum on a major motorway.

Emma Ramsden, a 34-year-old mum of two and carer, left her Morley family home unnoticed at 4.30am on Friday, April 10. A few hours later, her family were informed by police that she had accessed the M621, just beneath Asquith Bridge, and had been fatally hit by a vehicle.

The family are now urging for public access points to motorways to be sealed off. Emma's mother, Lisa Ramsden, 57, stated: "Nobody should have access to motorway bridges, and I honestly thought most of them were sealed. If someone wants to harm themselves, regardless, they're going to do it, aren't they?

[Emma had always struggled with her mental health]

Emma had always struggled with her mental health(Image: Lisa Ramsden)

"There should be campaigns to make it safer on motorway bridges. She was very bubbly but Emma but very private. A lot of people never knew she suffered with her mental health."

Lisa revealed that Emma had been sectioned at the age of 13 due to an eating disorder. Her sister, Alicia Grailey, 14, plans to initiate a campaign and petition to close off these access points, reports Leeds Live.

Alicia said: "Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives."

Speaking about her sister, Alicia added: "She could be quiet but she could be really bubbly and having a joke with people. She was really caring and a really good mum and friend to loads of people."

Alicia intends to name her campaign 'Safe Before the Motorway' and is hopeful of community support. Alicia stated: "I'm asking the community and other parts of the country to remember the name Emma Ramsden and her story because Emma had a life before this tragedy.

"Myself and my family want to try help prevent more suicides happening due to poor infrastructure. Help should always reach people before they reach the motorway. As a community, we can make a huge difference and save lives."

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

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