THE FAMILY of a 16-year-old boy who died in a crash near Honeybourne have paid tribute to their “pure, sincere, and loving” son.
Samual Lewis Orchard, from Salford Priors, was cycling along Buckle Street at about 1.20pm last Thursday when he was involved in a crash with a silver Land Rover Freelander.
He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries where he sadly died.
The ‘loving’ teenager went to Alcester Academy where he achieved 11 GCSE’s. After leaving school in June Sam began an animal welfare and zoology course at Moreton Morrell College to pursue his passion for wildlife.
Sam leaves behind a large family, including his younger brother who was also his best friend.
In a heart-breaking tribute to their son, his family said: “Sam was the most pure, sincere, and loving boy a parent could ever hope to wish for.
“He made us and all his family extremely proud.
“At 16 he had accomplished so much already, and from the outpouring of love and heartfelt wishes we have already received, it truly shows just how many other lives he touched.
“His life in the village of Salford Priors was such a happy and content one. Wonderful times were had during his time at kindergarten, the village primary school and growing up he was surrounded by so many good friends and neighbours who ensured he had the best of childhoods.
“Since leaving school in June, Sam had a whirlwind of exciting new ventures including spending three weeks with NCS travelling to the Pennines for an adventure week, living away to learn life skills and working with Murray House, a local charity.
“He spent many happy evenings being involved as a young leader with the local Beavers group, and also several years with The Children’s Kayak Charitable Trust (TCKCT) where with their wonderful support went from being novice to a team member helping others to learn.
“Sam had a passion for wildlife and cared for all creatures. He was loving college life. Sam was delighted to have secured a new Saturday job at Budgens and a work experience placement at All Things Wild in Honeybourne too – he was one happy boy!
“He had a wicked sense of humour and made us all laugh.
“He lived life to the full. No regrets.”
Investigating officers from West Mercia Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to call them on 101, quoting incident number 312S of Thursday, September 14.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
