Two of the three teenagers killed in a horror car crash have been pictured for the first time as their families pay tribute.
Taekwondo world champion Simon Evans, 18, Jacob Holeman, 17, and Jenson Bridges, 17, were killed on Friday when an Audi A1 crashed along a country lane in Tong near Shifnal, Shropshire.
Emergency services were called to Offoxey Road at around 11.15pm on March 14 but Simon, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene. Jacob and Jenson both later passed away in hospital.
The fourth occupant of the car, a 17-year-old boy, suffered life changing injuries.
The devastated family of Simon, who was from Perton in Wolverhampton and worked as a chef, have now paid tribute to him in a statement issued via West Mercia Police.
They said: ‘Simon was just a lovely, friendly person always with a smile on his face, he was so family orientated and would do absolutely anything for his friends, who he was very loyal too.
‘They had an amazing friendship group of which he was the glue that held them together. Whenever they were together, there was always laughter.
Simon Evans (pictured), 18, was killed when an Audi A1 crashed along a country lane in Tong near Shifnal, Shropshire
Jenson Bridges (pictured), 17, was also in the car at the time of the crash and later passed away in hospital
Emergency services were called to Offoxey Road at around 11.15pm on Friday but Simon, who was a passenger in the car, died at the scene
‘He loved to be outside, and he loved spending time in Cornwall with us and our friends.
‘He was adventurous. He was kind and thoughtful to all those that met him.
‘He had so many hobbies, he was a blue belt in Taekwondo and he even became world champion, before he moved onto his next hobby, of which there were many.
‘Simon also tried his hand at fishing, darts, mountain biking, pool and most recently golf.
‘He also loved his car and would always be tinkering with it alongside his brother.
‘Recently Simon had been given a promotion to sous chef at the restaurant he worked at part-time, which he was so proud of, and so were we.
‘He was excited to be included in new ideas for the restaurant and felt proud to be part of their team and family.
‘He also attended a college course of which he was excelling in studying light vehicle mechanics.
‘Nothing was too much for Simon, he would do anything to help anyone, and all those who knew Simon would describe him as funny, loving and caring.
‘Simon is a much-loved son, brother, grandson and friend who will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
‘He really was a gentleman older than his years.’
Floral tributes laid at the scene for the three teenagers who died in the fatal car crash on Friday
Flowers and cards left under a tree at the scene of the crash in memory of the three teenagers
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Jenson’s grieving family by the owner of a football academy he attended.
One of Jenson’s family members paid tribute to him on social media, writing: ‘I’m numb with pain and absolutely heartbroken you are gone Jenson.
‘I’ve loved you from the day you were born and I love your beautiful family.
‘Today has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Kissing you goodbye.
‘Beautiful Boy….I will never ever forget you.’
Inspector Steph Arrowsmith, from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said previously: ‘Sadly, three teenagers have died and one remains in hospital with life-changing injuries in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected.
‘We continue to carry out enquiries into the collision and I would like to thank everybody who has contacted us so far with information to assist with our investigation.
‘We are still appealing to anyone else who may have been on Offoxey Road on Friday night to get in contact.
‘We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have been travelling through Bishops Wood and Brewood around 11pm, as we believe the Audi travelled along Port Lane and Kiddemore Green Road ahead of the incident.
‘We believe the Audi was travelling together with a red Vauxhall Corsa and a black VW Golf.
‘The vehicles were not involved in the collision in any way, but we’re hoping motorists in the area may remember seeing the three vehicles together.’
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said at the time: ‘Upon arrival ambulance staff discovered four occupants of the car, all male.
‘We found the first man being cared for by bystanders at the scene. He had sustained life threatening injuries.
‘Sadly, it became clear that nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.
‘A further three male patients from the car were assessed and had sustained life-threatening injuries. They received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene.
‘Two were conveyed to Royal Stoke Hospital for further treatment and the third was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.’
