A memorial for two teenagers killed in a crash on the A14 in Suffolk on Boxing Day has been held in Bury St Edmunds.
William Smedley, 18, and a second man, also aged 18, who has not yet been named by police, died following the accident on the A14 eastbound at Rougham, just east of junction 45.
William, who was a passenger in a grey Ford Fiesta which was involved in a collision with a black Vauxhall Corsa at 9.30pm, died at the scene.
Police confirmed last night that a second man, who was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge in a serious condition, had also died.
A third man was taken to hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The female driver of the Vauxhall Corsa, a 19-year-old woman – was not injured in the accident.
The memorial was held at 9.30pm yesterday in the Arc shopping centre car park, where the two men would meet to socialise. Flowers were laid and balloons released into the air in tribute.
Ebony Wilderspin, who organised the memorial, which was attended by William’s mother, said: “Last night was amazing for everyone to come out to pay their respects to both the boys. Many people were upset, however I’m grateful for the turnout and the lovely amount of flowers and cards that have been put around and on the lamppost.
“I’d like to wish the family well and hope that the memorial last night was a good enough send off for the two boys who were taken away from us so early.”
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help with William’s funeral costs by close family friend Darren Flaum, who described the teenager as “a really good kid”.
Posting on the fundraising page, he said: “As many of you may of heard there was a terrible car crash in Bury St Edmunds on Boxing Day, where unfortunately William was killed. I am a close family friend to Wills and his family so I am setting up this page to help fund them for his funeral. This is a devastating time and the family are in the grieving period.
“Any donation will help towards the funeral, even £1 from each of our friends on Facebook. Please share and thank you for the support in this horrible time.”
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