Tributes paid to young man killed in North Curry crash (From Somerset County Gazette)

Tributes paid to young man killed in North Curry crash

9:10am Thursday 12th January 2012 in Taunton By Daniel Milligan

THE family of a young Stoke St Gregory man who died after a car crash near his home have paid tribute to a “wonderful boy”.

Tom Haseley, 21, died in hospital after the crash in North Curry, where the Renault Clio he was driving was in collision with a Toyota.

The Toyota driver was also taken to hospital with minor injuries, but police confirmed that there have been no arrests.

One passenger in the Toyota was unhurt.

Flowers were laid at the scene on Windmill Hill, and Tom’s parents, Mary and Keith, and brothers, Joe, Harry and George, issued a statement after his death.

They said: “He was always full of life, sometimes mischievous, a friend to everyone who knew him, with everything to live for.

“He will be sadly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

“We would like to express our appreciation to all the services who strived to save him.”

Tom, a keen rugby player and former pupil at Heathfield Community School, went on to study rural land management at Harper Adams University.

Heathfield head teacher Elliott Furneaux said: “Tom was a lovely lad at school. He had that extra spark and sense of fun which made staff as well as his fellow students really enjoy his company.

“He had a real passion for sport, especially rugby, and would do any task to help the team, however menial.

“Already some of his closest friends have been back into school to suggest ways in which we can establish a permanent memorial to Tom, which we’d certainly wish to support.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Tom’s parents and three brothers over their tragic loss.”

Many of Tom’s friends left tributes on Facebook.

Amie Burke said: “Thomas Haseley RIP. A true lad who has left many fond memories! Taken away too early from life :( my thoughts are with your family and close friends.”

Greig Cockburn said: “Rest in peace, you will be missed greatly by us all mate.”

Family friend Barbara Drakeford, whose son, Charlie, was good friends with Tom, said they will miss having him in their lives. She said: “He was very special, great company, outgoing and kind. He showed plenty of potential to achieve great things and came from a smashing family who our thoughts are constantly going to.”

Tom’s funeral service will be held at Taunton Crematorium on Friday, January 20, at 1pm. His family have requested that anyone attending wears something red.