Tributes to ‘cheeky chappie with a kind heart’, 17, who died following crash

The family of a teenager who died following a crash have described his charisma and passion for life.

William Radford, from Broadbridge Heath, was driving on the A281 Brighton^[1] Road at Monks Gate, near Horsham, when he was involved in the collision at 4.30pm on June 10.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the 17-year-old, known to family as Will, was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in London in a critical condition.

Will, who was a student at Collyer’s College in Horsham, died from his injuries a few days later on June 13.

In a tribute, Will's family described him as a "brilliant student, adoring boyfriend and protective brother" who they will miss every single day.

“Will is the beating heart of our whole family," the statement said.

“His passion for life, his confidence, charisma, courtesy and considerate nature was admired by anyone he met.

“He was a brilliant student. A dedicated friend. An adoring boyfriend. A protective brother. A loving son and grandson. A cheeky chappie with a kind heart.

“We will miss everything about him, every single day.”

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, which involved a Nissan Micra driven by Will, and a Renault van.