The heartbroken family of Harvey Holehouse say he 'brought joy and a smile to everybody that he met' and 'was tragically taken too soon'. The 19-year-old died in a two-car collision on the A612 Southwell Road, in Gonalston, on Thursday (September 22).
His friend, 17-year-old Jake Hankins, of Stamford, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Three others were left seriously injured.
In a statement released through Nottinghamshire Police, Harvey's family said he enriched the lives of others. “Harvey was an incredible person who saw the best in everyone. He brought joy and a smile to everybody that he met and went through life with an unrelenting energy which touched all those around him," they said.
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“He was tragically taken too soon and will be desperately missed, leaving a hole in our hearts. We would like to extend our deepest thanks and are greatly comforted by the overwhelming support and tributes that we have received.”
The families of Harvey and Jake have asked their privacy is respected at this difficult time. Dozens of bouquets of flowers and cards have since been left at the scene of the tragedy. Tom Ware, a friend of Harvey and Jake, said "both lads will be so dearly and sorely missed".
The collision was reported at around 10.45pm on the evening in question. Southwell Road was closed for several hours between the junctions with Gonalston Road, Gonalston, and Beck Street, Thurgarton, before it was reopened.
Two others were taken to hospital with what police described as 'potentially life-threatening injuries' while a fifth person suffered injuries which are currently not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have asked witnesses to come forward. Case investigator Louise Melbourne, of Nottinghamshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the families, friends, and the wider community at this incredibly sad time.
“Our inquiries remain ongoing as we work to establish the circumstances leading up to the collision and our specialist trained officers are continuing to offer the families support. I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, who hasn’t yet come forward, or any drivers who may have recorded dash-cam footage that may be helpful to our investigation, to get in touch as soon as possible.
"While we understand people want to pay their respects we would ask anyone laying flowers or tributes do so as safely as possible." Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 801 of September 22.
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