'They had it all ahead of them': Tributes paid to teenagers killed in Walsall crash
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to two teenagers killed in a motorbike crash in Walsall.
The men, named locally as Alex Lees and Tarik Campbell, died after the bike they were riding collided with a Rover car on Broadway West, in Walsall, on Tuesday.
Flowers have since been laid at the scene between Lord Street and Alexandra Road, and tributes have poured in on social media to the two friends who 'had their whole lives ahead of them'.
Nathan Pearce, a lifelong friend of 18-year-old Tarik’s said: “Words can’t explain how I felt for Tarik. I’ve known him for 17 years of my life and he’s always been the one I can talk to no matter what.
"He was one of them kids who everyone loved and he was going to get somewhere in life. He had just turned 18, had a job, the lot.”
John Taylor, chairman of Wednesbury Hockey Club, of which 19-year-old Alex was a member, added: “It is always a painful day when we offer our condolences for the passing of a club member.
"It is even more distressing when it is for a young player.
“The club offers our heartfelt sorrow and regret at the passing of a young player who had made his mark in the first team.
“A player with a great personality and who had good skills and a great future.
“Our condolences to his mom and dad on the loss of their only child.
“What else can be said? Nothing as we are all speechless at mourning the loss of a team-mate and friend. God bless Alex.”
Alisha Smart added on Facebook: "It’s such a shame that we have to say goodbye to two young lads who had their whole lives ahead of them. I don’t even know how to explain the heart break that everyone is feeling. You will both be missed so much."
A 58-year-old driver who was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving has since been released while the police investigation continues.
