Tributes have been paid to a young RAF serviceman who died in a horror motorway crash while on his way back to base after visiting his mum on Mother's Day.
Harvey Blount, 18, was a passenger in a white Audi A3 which left the M42 and ploughed into a sign and down an embankment at 8.15pm on Sunday, March 14.
Emergency services rushed to the collision, which took place between junctions 3 and 2 near Redditch, Worcs., but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the driver and another passenger exited the vehicle with non-serious injuries and were taken to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a precaution.
Tragic Harvey, from Derby, was a member of RAF personnel based at the MoD's St Athan military base, near Barry, South Wales.
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Today his devastated family paid tribute to a "bright and loving" young man who "had a smile for everyone".
In a statement issued via West Mercia Police, they said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have to announce the sudden passing of our son Harvey Blount, he is the beloved son to Sally and Jody; and brother to Tayler and Daisy.
"Sadly, He was involved in a car accident on Sunday evening returning to his RAF base after visiting his Mum for Mother’s Day.
"We as a family are crest fallen and beside ourselves with grief at this difficult time.
"Harvey was a bright, loving person who had a smile for everyone.
"We were so proud of him and he always saw the good in everyone. He took on life with ease and made the most challenging things seem like nothing.
"We will miss him forever and the pain will never go away. We can’t put into words how much we love you. Lots of love from the family xxx"
The force has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and urged any witnesses to get in touch.
PC Rich Allen, from West Mercia Police's Operations Patrol Unit, said: "This is a sad incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased man.
"We are appealing for anyone with dash cam footage of the area around the time of the incident to submit this to us via Operation Snap on our website to help with our investigation.
"If anyone has information or saw this collision take place to contact me on 01527 583766 quoting reference 562i 14 March."
