Tributes to 'cheeky chappie with a kind heart', 17, who died following crash

The family of a teenager who died following a crash have described his charisma and passion for life.

William Radford, from Broadbridge Heath, was driving on the A281 Brighton Road at Monks Gate, near Horsham, when he was involved in the collision at 4.30pm on June 10.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the 17-year-old, known to family as Will, was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in London in a critical condition.

Will, who was a student at Collyer’s College in Horsham, died from his injuries a few days later on June 13.

In a tribute, Will's family described him as a "brilliant student, adoring boyfriend and protective brother" who they will miss every single day.

“Will is the beating heart of our whole family," the statement said.

“His passion for life, his confidence, charisma, courtesy and considerate nature was admired by anyone he met.

“He was a brilliant student. A dedicated friend. An adoring boyfriend. A protective brother. A loving son and grandson. A cheeky chappie with a kind heart.

“We will miss everything about him, every single day.”

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, which involved a Nissan Micra driven by Will, and a Renault van.

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A 17-year-old boy from Cowfold who was a passenger in the Nissan was taken to the East Surrey Hospital in Redhill with minor injuries.

A 54-year-old man driving the Renault van, from Waltham Forest, London, was also taken to the East Surrey Hospital with minor injuries. Both have since been discharged.

Sussex Police have appealed for people who may have witnessed the crash or have any information about the incident to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the collision, such as CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage of the vehicles in the area at the time, has been asked to report it to Sussex Police online or email: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Leyton.