Family pay tribute to 'loving, thoughtful and kind’ teenager killed in Great Dalby collision
The young man who was tragically killed in a road collision at Great Dalby has been described by his grieving family as ‘amazing, caring, loving, thoughtful and kind’.
Rhys Hanks, who was 19, was a passenger in a white Vauxhall Corsa which collided with a tree in Station Road on Wednesday May 20.
Police officers and a crew from East Midlands Ambulance Service were called to the scene just after 8.45pm, where Rhys was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
In a moving statement, Rhys family said: “Rhys was an amazing, caring, loving, thoughtful and kind son, big brother and friend of so many people.
“There are no words to say how loved Rhys was by all his family and friends.
“He had so much potential ahead of him and we’re proud of the young man he’d become."
The driver of the car, who is 18, was taken to hospital, where he is continuing to receive treatment for serious injuries.
Two passengers in the back of the car were also transported to hospital to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening or life-changing.
The family’s statement about Rhys added: “You’ll be greatly missed by all your family, friends and so many more people that care for you.
“We’re lost for words. You’ll always and forever be in our hearts.”
A fundraiser has been launched to support Rhys’ family and help with funeral costs.
Friends have posted on the GoFundMe page: “Rhys was the kind of person who could light up any room without even trying.
"He was funny, caring, and always managed to put a smile on people’s faces, even on the hardest days.
"He was a lovely lad with a big heart, and so many people are struggling to come to terms with losing him so suddenly.”
Go to www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-rhys-the-send-off-he-deserves to pledge money.
Officers from Leicestershire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are continuing to appeal for anyone who can help their inquiries into the incident – including motorists with dashcams – to come forward.
You can pass on information online at www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting reference 26*292438.
Alternatively, please call police 101 if you can help officers.