Krisstoffer Henshall dies after three-car M56 collision, Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• Krisstoffer Henshall, aged 38, died on the spot after being involved in an accident on the eastbound M56 in Cheshire.
• The Cheshire Police added that Mr. Henshall was hit by three vehicles, which were the black Dacia Duster, the red Kia Niro, and the black Ford Focus.
• The accident took place around 12:50 am on Monday, 31st August, on the stretch between junction 12 of Runcorn and junction 14 of Hapsford.
• Mr. Henshall hailed from Golborne, as per the information provided by the Cheshire Police.
• The eastbound carriageway was shut down and reopened around 9:15 am.
• Police are still investigating the matter and are calling out for witnesses and dashcam videos.
• If anyone has any information, then they are requested to get in touch with Cheshire Police or Crimestoppers quoting reference IML-2407733.

Liverpool (Liverpool standard) September 01, 2026 – Krisstoffer Henshall has been named as the 38-year-old man who died after being hit by three vehicles on the M56 in Cheshire. His family have paid tribute following his death, while police continue enquiries into the circumstances of the collision.

Cheshire Police are investigating the death of 38-year-old Krisstoffer Henshall after he was struck by three cars on the M56 in the early hours of Monday, 31 August. Emergency responders attended the eastbound motorway between Runcorn and Hapsford, but Mr Henshall was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident happened on the M56 eastbound between junction 12 for Runcorn and junction 14 for Hapsford at about 12.50am on Monday, 31 August. Cheshire Police and paramedics attended after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck on the motorway.

Liverpool Echo reported that Mr Henshall, who was from Golborne, was involved in a collision with a black Dacia Duster, a red Kia Niro and a black Ford Focus. Despite efforts by emergency responders at the scene, he was pronounced dead.

The force has confirmed that Mr Henshall’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. The circumstances that led to him being on the motorway remain under investigation.

What happened on the M56 near Runcorn and Hapsford?

Cheshire Police said officers were called to the eastbound M56 after reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and vehicles. The location was between junction 12, serving Runcorn, and junction 14 at Hapsford.

As first reported by the Liverpool Echo, police and ambulance staff found that three cars had been involved: a black Dacia Duster, a red Kia Niro and a black Ford Focus. The man later identified as Krisstoffer Henshall was pronounced dead at the scene.

The available police information does not set out how the collision occurred, why Mr Henshall was on the carriageway, the direction in which the vehicles were travelling immediately before the impact, or whether any arrests have been made. Those details should not be inferred while the investigation remains ongoing.

Cheshire Live separately reported that the eastbound motorway closure lasted for more than eight hours. The Liverpool Echo said the route reopened at around 9.15am after being closed for a significant period.

Who was Krisstoffer Henshall?

Krisstoffer Henshall was 38 and from Golborne, according to Cheshire Police information reported by the Liverpool Echo. His death has prompted a family tribute, as reflected in the Liverpool Echo’s later report naming him.

At the time of publication, the publicly available report did not provide the full wording of the family’s tribute. It would therefore be inappropriate to attribute unverified words, personal descriptions or statements to Mr Henshall’s relatives.

The information currently confirmed in public reporting is that his family have been informed of his death and are receiving support from specialist officers.

What have Cheshire Police said about the investigation?

Detective Sergeant Russ Sime, of Cheshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, described the incident as tragic and said officers’ thoughts were with Mr Henshall’s family.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Detective Sergeant Sime said: “This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased.”

He added that enquiries were under way to establish the full circumstances of the collision. Cheshire Police are seeking information from people who witnessed the incident, saw a pedestrian on the M56 before the collision, or have dashcam footage that could assist officers.

Cheshire Live reported Detective Sergeant Sime’s appeal in fuller terms, including the request for footage from motorists who may have recorded relevant events. He said: “Enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this collision are ongoing and as part of the investigation we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have seen the pedestrian on the motorway prior to the collision, to get in touch. The same goes for anyone with any dashcam footage which may aid our investigation.”

Police have asked anyone who can help the investigation to call 101 or submit information through the Cheshire Police website, quoting reference IML-2407733. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

How did the collision affect M56 traffic?

The collision resulted in the closure of the M56 eastbound between junctions 12 and 14 during the early morning and morning of 31 August.

The affected stretch links areas around Runcorn, Helsby and Hapsford, and is used by motorists travelling across Cheshire and towards destinations including Manchester and North Wales. The closure was needed while emergency services responded and collision investigators worked at the scene.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the carriageway reopened at approximately 9.15am. Cheshire Live described the closure as lasting for more than eight hours.

No further details have been publicly reported about the condition of the drivers or occupants of the three vehicles. The police appeal indicates the investigation remains active, and any additional information about the collision is likely to come from Cheshire Police as enquiries progress.

What is the background to the fatal M56 collision?

The fatal M56 collision was reported by Cheshire Police in the early hours of Monday, 31 August, after a pedestrian was struck on the eastbound carriageway between Runcorn and Hapsford.

Initial reporting did not name the man who died. The Liverpool Echo’s first report described him as a 38-year-old from Golborne and confirmed that three vehicles were involved. The later report named him as Krisstoffer Henshall and said his family had issued a tribute.

The central issue for investigators is establishing the full sequence of events before the impact. Police are seeking eyewitness accounts, information from people who saw a pedestrian on the motorway, and dashcam recordings. This evidence could help officers determine the circumstances of the collision and provide clarity for Mr Henshall’s family.

How could this development affect M56 motorists and local residents?

For Mr Henshall’s family and friends, the development brings public confirmation of his identity alongside a continuing police investigation. Specialist officers are supporting his relatives, while the family tribute marks the personal impact of the loss.

For motorists who travelled on the M56 near junctions 12 and 14 during the early hours of 31 August, the police appeal means any recollection, dashcam video or other evidence could become important to the investigation. People who saw a pedestrian, stopped at the scene, passed the area shortly before 12.50am, or recorded the road conditions may be able to assist police.

For regular road users in Cheshire, the incident underlines that major collision investigations can require lengthy motorway closures while emergency responders and specialist officers work safely. The M56 has reopened, but drivers are asked to remain alert to any future traffic updates and to contact police if they hold information connected with this case.