Parents pay tribute to crash victim Tim Morris

The devastated parents of a Black Country mechanic who died following a car crash today said they hoped his death would have a "steadying influence" on young drivers.

Tim Morris, aged 22, of Turners Hill Road, Lower Gornal, died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on April 13, five days after the smash in Tipton Road, Sedgley.

Fellow passenger and friend, 24-year-old Daniel Eales, also died. Mr Morris was a passenger in a Honda Civic which collided with a wall and traffic lights.

His parents, Colin and Elaine Morris, today said their family had been left devastated by his death.

"His brother and sister are deeply shocked and saddened and we draw strength from each other at this difficult time," they said.

"Tim was the life and soul of any party, his infectious, bubbly personality and caring nature earned him love from his friends and respect from elders. He touched the hearts of everyone he met.

"We are proud of our son and his achievements as a mechanic and we take some consolation from the fact he lived his short life to the full.

"His friends, his work and his cars were his life, in more recent times he had settled down and was enjoying a caring relationship.

"Passengers in a vehicle are very vulnerable, no-one is invincible and we can only hope that Tim's death will have a steadying influence on all young drivers. He will be in our hearts forever."

The tribute follows an inquest being opened and adjourned at Dudley Coroner's Court yesterday.

A post mortem revealed Mr Morris had died from serious head injuries.

An 18-year-old woman, who was also in the car, suffered minor injuries, and the 21-year-old driver is in hospital with arm injuries.

Two men, 21 and 24, who had been travelling in a red Mazda on Tipton Road at the time of the crash were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain on police bail.

Officers are appealing for witnesses. Call them on 0345 113 5000.