Teenager dies in taxi crash during night out
A teenager died after being struck by a taxi as he crossed a Preston road during a night out with pals.
Tributes have been paid to 17-year-old Alex Cameron Young who who died from injuries he received following the collision with the cab on Tom Benson Way, Ingol, on Saturday.
The youngster, from Preston, had enjoyed a night with friends before tragedy struck at around 9.20pm.
Community leaders joined youngsters to pay tribute to the youngster who died of severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, which is close to the entrance of the Preston Sports Arena.
David Aspden, chairman of the Ingol and Tanterton Youth Association, who arrived at the scene moments after the accident, said: "We just wish we had been down there earlier. That boy's face is something that will live with me forever.
"We had just seen him 20 minutes before up near Ingol Methodist Church and he was laughing and joking. He was with his friends and was quite happy as friends are.
"From what we got from his friends, they just ran out from the locks."
Bill McGrath, who laid flowers on behalf of the Ingol Community Association, said: "His friends are absolutely devastated and desperately upset especially a couple of the girls.
"He was about 15ft from the crossing from what I heard but it is not a good enough crossing for a busy main road."
Mr McGrath said it was "tragically ironic" that the teenager's death comes almost a year after tragic 13-year-old Dylan Gabriel died yards away in a 20ft deep lock in the Lancaster Canal on June 8.
Ingol ward Preston city Coun Bill Shannon added: "These accidents are always a tragedy for the individuals and for the families."
An array of floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left at the scene.
They include messages left such as "I'll miss you, you were always like a brother to me. Never forget you, Jenni xxx"; and "I will miss every moment we had and cherish it. I will miss your smiles and your dimples."
Another read: "You're a great person. Loved and missed, Jayyd."
Lancashire Police have placed witness appeal signs at the scenes and Insp Ian Roberts said the taxi driver had stopped at the scene.
But if anyone saw anything to help with the investigation they can call the police on 0845 1 25 35 45.
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Friday 03 September 2010
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