Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Kieran Isgin

Tributes paid to 'beautiful and amazing' teenage friends who died in crash

Three teenagers who tragically died in a fatal car crash have been described by family as "beautiful" and "amazing" sons.

Aaron Bell from Jervaluz, 18, Tommy Shevels, 18, and Louis Banks, 17, passed away after being involved in a horrific collision at 11pm on Friday, July 29. The groups were travelling in a grey Alfa Romeo 147 along the B6338, near Thornton Watlass, North Yorks.

While emergency services quickly rushed to the scene, passengers Aaron, Tommy, and Louis were pronounced dead. Police had confirmed that the 18-year-old driving the trio was taken to hospital and currently remains in a serious yet stable condition.

Read more: Nine men and a woman charged with drugs, firearms and money laundering offences after police raids

Aaron's family commented that he was a keen athlete, farmer, and a "truly amazing young man" whose loss is "unbearable". They added: "Our gorgeous son was taken from us in a car accident. We are truly heartbroken, and the pain is unbearable. Aaron is a truly amazing young man, the best son we could ask for.

“He was the reason why we all smiled a little bigger and laughed a little louder, he had such a cheeky smile and contagious laugh. Aaron had three loves of life, rugby, cricket and showing sheep."

Tommy Shevels was described by his family as a "wonderful son" (North Yorkshire Police / SWNS)

Aaron's local sports team had also paid tribute, saying: "His Bishop Burton and Wensleydale Rugby brothers said ‘keep scoring tries for us up there brother and we will put the hard yards in down here for you. You will be sorely missed. Never above you, never below you, always beside you’.

“And North Stanley cricket club, where Aaron has played for since the age of four, said about Aaron ‘His cheeky smile, tenaciousness, passion, camaraderie, and competitiveness combined into a fun-loving sportsman both on the cricket and rugby field. The ultimate definition of a team player’.

“His competitiveness spilled over into his love of showing his Texel sheep or his Uncle’s Swaledale sheep. We love you so, so much, fly high buddy and shine bright."

Meanwhile, Tommy's family paid tribute to their "wonderful son" and said he will be sorely missed. They said: "Tommy was a wonderful son, big brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. He was a great friend to many and always had a smile on his face.

“We would like to thank all the emergency services that attended. Our family are truly grateful for all the warming and supportive messages at this devastating time. Tommy will be missed by everyone that knew him.”

Louis Banks' family described him as a "warm and kind" lad who had a passion for farming (North Yorkshire Police)

Louis' family described him as having a passion for farming while there were "not enough words" to describe how much he meant to them. They added: "Our boy Lou Lou.“Where do we start?

“Louis was beautiful inside and out. He was warm and kind, and always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. Louis made friends wherever he went, in school, playing rugby and through farming, and once he made a friend, he kept them.

“His amazing sense of humour was infectious, and you only had to look at his cheeky smiling face and you would soon be laughing with him. His passion was farming. It was all he ever wanted to do. Tractor driving, quad bike, lambing, shearing, pigs, goats, cattle, it didn’t matter what as long as it was farming.

“Louis did anything and everything that he was asked to do, and his dream was to take over the farm. He was already telling his dad how to run it.

“Louis, our beautiful son and Harry and Gracie’s loving brother. There are not enough words to describe what you mean to us. Ride that tractor high and blow those horns!”

Sergeant Adam Elliot of North Yorkshire Police's Major Collision Investigation Team and Road Safety Team confirmed that investigations into the young lads' death were ongoing. He said: "This was a tragic incident which has taken the life of three young men and our thoughts are with their family, friends, and the wider community at this incredibly sad time.

“Our investigation remains ongoing as we work to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision."

Read next:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.