Family pay tribute to their 'beating heart' after Horsham collision death

17-year-old William Radford died in a collision on the A281 on 10 June

Author: Cam HallPublished 21st Jun 2024

The family of a teenager who died in a collision near Horsham has paid tribute to his charisma and "passion for life".

William Radford, from Broadbridge Heath, was driving a Nissan Micra that was involved in a collision with a Renault van on the A281 at Monks Gate at 4:30pm on 10 June.

The 17-year-old, known to his family as Will, was airlifted to St George's Hospital in London in a critical condition.

He died from his injuries three days later.

Sussex Police have posted a tribute from Will's family, which says:

"Will is the beating heart of our whole family.

"His passion for life, his confidence, charisma, courtesy and considerate nature was admired by anyone he met.

"He was a brilliant student. A dedicated friend. An adoring boyfriend. A protective brother. A loving son and grandson. A cheeky chappie with a kind heart.

"We will miss everything about him, every single day."

A 17-year-old boy from Redhill, who was a passenger in the Nissan, was treated for minor injuries at East Surrey Hospital.

The driver of the van, a 54-year-old man from Waltham Forest, London, was also treated for minor injuries at the same hospital.

Sussex Police are continuing to investigate the collision, and are asking anyone who witnessed it, or has CCTV or dashcam footage, to get in touch.

People can do so by reporting it online, or emailing collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, and quoting Operation Leyton.