A fundraising page in memory of a Polstead man killed in a tragic crash along with his best friend near Great Waldingfield has been launched to give him “the best send off”.
Kye Mclean, 18, of Rockhall Road, and Zac Smith, also 18, of North Rise, Great Cornard, died after a crash on Wednesday, August 9, at around 10pm on the B1115 Great Waldingfield Road, near Chilton Airfield. The two men, who were travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa, were treated by ambulance staff and critical care paramedics, but both died at the scene of the crash.
Laura Pritchard, 29, who worked as a housekeeper with Kye and his mother at the Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, started the Gofundme page to support Kye’s family and help with funeral costs.
She said: “Kye was bubbly and was really genuine. He always put a smile on people’s faces.
“I started the page because funerals are expensive and we wanted the best send-off for Kye. I also wanted to support the family during this difficult time.
“I spoke to his mum, Sally, a few days ago and she was really touched by the fundraising page. Kye had such a great relationship with his mum and it’s so tough for the family.
“Kye was great to work with and it’s such a sad loss. I’m devastated.”
The fundraising page has so far reached more than £2,000 of a £7,000 target.
Kye’s family said in a tribute: “Kye was loved by everyone who knew him, not only by his family but by so many friends too.
“He would do anything to make people happy and his smile always lit up the room. As well as his family and friends, Kye loved his motorbike, football, tracksuits and roses.
“Family was everything, he will be sadly missed by his mum, dad, little sister and everyone who knew him.”
Zac, a promising footballer who played for AFC Sudbury and Cornard United, worked for his family’s skip hire company – Premier Mini Skip Hire.
Both clubs played tribute to him on Saturday with a minute’s applause before their games.
His family said: “Paul, Kelly, Ben and Alice are devastated at the loss of their beloved son and brother.
“Zac was never without a smile or a kind word for anyone who came his way.”
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