Teenager dies in road crash (From Gazette Series)

Teenager dies in road crash

9:30am Wednesday 26th November 2008 in

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YATE is mourning the loss of another teenager who was killed after a road crash at the weekend.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Budds, known as Matty by his family and friends, died following the accident on Scott Way just after midnight on Saturday.

The youngster is the third person to die on South Gloucestershire’s roads in the past month and the second motorcyclist to be killed in just six days.

Matty, who lived in Cranleigh Court Road, was knocked off his motorbike when it crashed into the kerb. He was taken to Frenchay Hospital but died shortly afterwards.

His parents, Raymond and Audrey, and his two sisters and younger brother, are said to be devastated.

His next-door neighbour Kath Langley told the Gazette: "He was an absolute star. Everyone knew Matty, he was the biggest, most loved character and no one can believe he has gone.

"He started college in September and his family were so proud. He was so involved with everything on the estate, he always had time for everyone and would help me with my shopping or play with the little ones."

She added: "This is a bereavement for the whole estate. On Saturday morning, there were small groups of people just standing around crying.

"His friends are absolutely distraught but they are looking after each other."

In a sea of floral tributes left at the junction of Scott Way and Kennedy Way, friends have written heartfelt messages to Matty.

One read: "I can’t believe you are gone. I never thought this would happen to you. Going to miss all those times you would cheer me up in the space of 10 seconds. Love you always, Katie."

Another message said: "May you rest in peace brova. It is not fair you have been taken from us.

"You had the spark of life. It is not fair. RIP love Toby and Emm."

A letter, signed by Hayley, said: "You used to be like a big brother to me and not just to me, everyone.

"I have so many memories of you, I will never forget them, I promise."

The crash comes after 13-year-old Daisy Witney died when she was in collision with a van on Rodford Way on Monday, November 3. Mother-of-two Kate Macnab, from Dursley, died on Sunday, November 16 when the motorbike she was riding collided with a car on the A46 near Old Sodbury.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

A spokesman said: "Police believe the motorcyclist was travelling south from the A432 on to Scott Way when the bike was in collision with the nearside kerb, causing the rider to fall.

"Scott Way was closed to allow the road policing unit’s collision investigation unit to carry out a detailed examination of the scene.

"They are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time who may have information to help their enquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 456 7000.