Tributes to tragic car crash pair

11:40am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a Netherton teenager who was killed in a horrific car crash in Stourport at the weekend.

Nineteen-year-old Shane Toogood, of Lodge Crescent, was a rear seat passenger in a black Volkswagen Golf which left the road and overturned as it was overtaking a red Golf on Sunday.

The collision happened on Dunley Road at about 3.20pm.

The teenager, who had completed an apprenticeship at Birmingham Construction College and had worked as a roofer, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Worcester Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Also in the car was Sam Cox, also aged 19, of Calewood Road, Quarry Bank, who was a front seat passenger. He was taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he died a few hours later. He was a second dan world champion kick boxer along with his brothers.

In a joint statement, released by their families, they said: "Shane was on a college course at Birmingham and had recently split up with his girlfriend. He leaves a little sister, Tia, aged three years.

"Sam was a loyal and protective lad, living his life to the max. He left school and completed a two-year college course in carpentry. He was the best at everything he did.

"Like Sam, Shane was loyal and protective of all his family and friends, and it gives the two families great comfort that they are together."

The driver of the black Golf, a 20-year-old Stourbridge man sustained serious chest injuries and is currently in a stable condition in a Coventry hospital.

Another back seat passenger, an 18-year-old man from Netherton, was taken to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital and was discharged after treatment.

An 18-year-old Brierley Hill man, who was driving the other vehicle - a red Golf, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

PC Andy Saunders of the North Worcestershire Road Policing Unit said: "While we have several witnesses, we are keen to speak to anyone else who saw what happened, or who saw either vehicle prior to the collision."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact PC Saunders in the North Worcestershire Road Policing Unit on 08457 444888.

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