An inquest has opened into the death of a “beautiful” teenage boy following a motorbike crash.

Leonardo Cardoso-Machado, 17, died after the single-vehicle collision in Lindsay Road, Branksome, in the early hours of Sunday, April 16.

Over the past couple of days more flowers and tributes have been placed at the scene.

One tribute read: “Darling Leo… Always in our hearts with the most fondest memories.

“Missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace beautiful boy.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Area coroner for Dorset Brendan Allen presided over an inquest opening at Bournemouth Town Hall on Wednesday, April 19.

The court heard Leonardo, who was born in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and lived in Alexandra Road, Parkstone, was riding a motorcycle in Lindsay Road at approximately 12.20am.

Coroner’s officer Philippa Morgan told the brief hearing that the motorbike collided with railings close to the junction with St Aldhelm’s Road.

Ms Morgan said: “Dorset Police and South Western Ambulance Service have arrived at the scene of the collision almost immediately after the collision had occurred.

“First aid was commenced but unfortunately Leonardo was confirmed deceased.

“An investigation has been commenced into the circumstances of the collision.”

The inquest heard a post-mortem examination had been carried out by pathologist Robert Blahut, who gave the medical cause of death as traumatic head and neck injuries.

Mr Allen adjourned proceedings, with a pre-inquest review hearing scheduled to take place on January 29, 2024.

As reported, road closures were in place around the crash scene while an initial investigation was carried out on Sunday morning.

Leonardo’s family is being supported by officers, a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the force had made a referral to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct as the black Yamaha motorcycle was near a police vehicle shortly before the incident.

Enquiries into the collision are ongoing, with officers continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/contact, via email at scit@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 16:7.