'We love you and we miss you' - Families pay tribute to Walsall motorbike crash victims
“Who knows what the future would have brought for our only son? He was taken, along with his friend, far too soon.”
The heartfelt words of the parents of a teenager killed in a crash involving a motorbike and a car.
Alexander Lees, aged 19, died along with Tarik Campbell, 18, following the incident in Broadway West in Walsall, on Tuesday night.
Pictures of the pair, who were both on the motorbike which hit a Rover vehicle, have also been released by West Midlands Police.
A 58-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving has been released under investigation.
Alexander was at Sandwell College and planned to go to Coventry University in September to study aeronautical engineering.
His parents said: “Alex loved life. He could never sit still and was always on the go, he lived every moment to the fullest.
"Standing at 6ft 4ins tall, he was a big character and always had amazing ideas.
“His main love was for motorbikes, but he also loved computers and his guitar. Words cannot begin to express how much we will miss him."
They added: “He was so talented and loved time with his friends and family.
“Who knows what the future would have brought for our only son? He was taken, along with his friend Tarik, far too soon. We love you and we miss you, son.”
Tarik’s family said: “Tarik was a well-loved son, grandson, brother, cousin and nephew. As well as that, he was a good friend and we couldn’t be more proud of him.
“He was a hardworking and well-mannered young man and a huge role model for all of his siblings.
“He was a genuine kind-hearted person and his personality shined all the time. Tarik will be missed so much by everyone who knew him.
“Our family would really appreciate some privacy at this devastating time. We appreciate all of the support and tributes for both Tarik and Alex.”
The crash took place between the junctions of Lord Street and Alexandra Road at 11.30pm. Both teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Pc Karl Davies from West Midlands Police said: “This is a truly heart-breaking incident in which two men have lost their lives.
“Our officers continue to conduct enquiries in a bid to build up a picture of what happened in the moments leading up to the collision.
“We are appealing for information from anyone who saw what happened. Broadway is one of the main routes into Walsall and I’m sure that other road users will have witnessed the collision or the bike riding along the road.
“We would also appeal for anyone who may have dashcam footage showing what happened to get in touch.”
