Family "astounded" by tributes to 18-year-old killed in Bath
Ben Smith from Melksham was assaulted on Corn Street earlier this month
Last updated 15th Nov 2021
The family of a man who died after being assaulted in Bath earlier this month say they are astounded by the amount of love and tributes for him.
Ben Smith from Melksham, who was just 18-years-old, died in hospital on Tuesday 2 November after being assaulted in the early hours of Monday.
A 19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is currently out on bail while police investigations continue.
Ben's family say his family and friends are "absolutely devastated" by his death, calling him kind and caring and saying he never judged anybody.
“As a young lad Ben loved his sport and at the age of four began swimming with Melksham Swordfish, then at the age of six started football with Melksham Town Football’s youth team," their tribute reads.
"He continued for many years.
“At 18 years of age, Ben finally passed his driving test after lockdown.
"In his first week of driving, Ben finished work and drove to Oxford to pick a friend up who had been working there all week. Anybody could message Ben at any time of the night and off he would go to collect them.
“With a bright future ahead of him, Ben was close to completing his apprenticeship at Fitting Tribute Ltd in Edington, who have said Ben was: “Not only a massive character, but a very valued member of the team. He will leave a huge hole for all that have worked with him.”
“The family are astounded by the outpour of love and tributes from the community both personally and across social media.
"It is a tribute to a very special young man who has left so many wonderful memories for those who loved him."
The tribute continues, saying Ben's friends are "truly devastated" at his death, calling him the glue that held them all together.
“The truth is, when someone is so full of character and kindness is taken away from this world so suddenly for no reason, it leaves the biggest void in everyone’s heart who knew him," one of them said.
“Ben had so much of his life left to live, alongside his brother Alex, whose life will never be the same. A life that he was looking forward to living, as well as fulfilling his dreams and ambitions.”