Vigil for teenagers killed in Leeds smash

The call had gone out via text message and social media to gather at the spot where an accident had taken away two of their friends and left two more fighting for their lives.
Family and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonightFamily and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonight
Family and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonight

And tonight under slate-grey skies that reflected the mood, dozens of teenagers, some still in their school uniforms, gathered at the side of Gelderd Road in Morley where Saturday’s crash had claimed the lives of Rhys Baker, 13, and George Wharton, 14.

They were joined by members of the boys’ families, including Rhys’s mother Kim Blackburn, to lay flowers, light candles and share their memories.

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As darkness fell, dozens of balloons brought by the well-wishers - some carrying messages - were released into the air to a ripple of applause and were carried away into the cold night.

Family and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonightFamily and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonight
Family and friends gathered at the scene of the accident tonight

Thoughts were also with friends and fellow passengers Kameron Walters, 14, and Joshua Vanveen, 15, who were tonight in a critical but stable condition. The 21-year-old driver was also said to be seriously-ill in hospital.

The vigil came at the end of an emotional day for the boys’ classmates who had returned to school for the first time without their friends.

Many had arrived that morning clutching bouquets of flowers, with some wearing T-shirts over their uniforms bearing messages in tribute to the boys.

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At Bruntcliffe High School, where Rhys was a pupil, each year group held assemblies for “collective reflection”.

Floral tributes and messages at the scene on Gelderd Road, Morley, LeedsFloral tributes and messages at the scene on Gelderd Road, Morley, Leeds
Floral tributes and messages at the scene on Gelderd Road, Morley, Leeds

Specialist advisors were also on hand at Morley Academy, where George was a pupil, to support both students and teachers.

Speaking before school began, Morley Academy pupil Kieran Bates, 16, who knew all four boys, said it was going to be a difficult day.

He said: “Everyone’s going to be upset and talking about it. Rhys and George were both funny. They came out with some funny stuff. I hope the others pull through.”

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Staff at Holbeck Working Men’s Club paid touching tribute to Rhys, who spent much of his time helping out at the club with his dad, Mark.

Rhys Baker.Rhys Baker.
Rhys Baker.

Volunteer Dennis Kitchen told the YEP: “We’re like a family down here. We’re just devastated. Rhys was such a fantastic lad, a lovely character. He was like his dad’s shadow.

“He was often here and mixed with everyone. You couldn’t ask for a nicer lad.”

He said Rhys had dressed up as the Elf at Christmas and on Friday had asked to be a leprechaun at this Saturday’s St Patrick’s night.

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Secretary Liz Holgate said they were now planning a permanent memorial to him at the club.

Josh van Veen.Josh van Veen.
Josh van Veen.

She said: “He was a loving, giving and helpful little lad.

“He was called ‘Little Man’, that was his nickname. He would do anything for you.

“Everyone loved him. There’s a big chunk going to be missing from the club.

“He’s going to be really missed but he will never ever be forgotten.”

Multiple groups have been set up on the social media website Facebook in memory of the boys - and urging Josh and Kameron to “keep fighting” - with one group already receiving nearly 4,000 ‘likes’.

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