The teenage boy who died after a car plunged into a sewage treatment pit in West Yorkshire has been named and pictured.
The 18-year-old has been named locally as Taylor Lupton. He died when the VW Golf he was travelling in veered off a main road and crashed into a wastewater ditch on Sunday morning.
Police officers were called to reports a car had crashed into a sewage ditch at the waste treatment works just before 6.20am.
Emergency services found the father-of-one just yards from the car, which was partially submerged in the oxidation tank.
A man and a woman, both 21, who were also in the vehicle were rescued from the Wheldale Sewage Works in Castleford, West Yorkshire, and taken to hospital.
The pair were later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Images show the wrecked car, with one door open and smashed windows, in the dirty wastewater oxidation ditch.
Loved ones, including Taylor’s girlfriend Megan Carswell, paid emotional tributes to the ‘sweet’ teenager on social media.
Megan posted on Facebook: ‘I don’t even know where to begin, never in a million years I would’ve thought I’d be writing this message.
‘You were my absolute world and you made me a better person, you taught me how to love myself.
‘I love you so much and I will miss you so much more, I really wish things could be different and you could be sat with me right now.
‘It can’t be put into words how devastated I am right now, I hope to make you proud and you will always be in my mind and heart.’
Kyra Reid posted on the platform: ‘RIP Taylor Lupton, you crazy sweet soul.
‘It’s crazy to think three hours before you were out dancing and smiling with us all, having fun, telling us how happy you are.
‘Will miss you more than words can say. I am forever grateful to have millions of amazing memories with you over the years doing life together.’
Courtney Leake added: ‘You’re an amazing man, Tay, and everyone else thought so too.
‘Never had a dull moment with you . Rest in peace Taylor Lupton we love you.’
Magi Smith wrote: ‘The world is such a cruel place to live. You had your whole life ahead of you.
‘You really did light up any room you walked in to.’
Police are appealing for witnesses as they work to establish why the car veered off the road and through a fence.
Floral bouquets were today left at the scene of the tragedy.
One card read: ‘You were so young and had so much life to live.
‘You will be remembered forever. No-one in the world like you.’
A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said yesterday (Sunday): ‘Road closures were put in place on Wheldon Road for a time, but these have now been removed.
‘The incident is being investigated by the Major Collision Enquiry Team, who are appealing for anyone who witnessed the vehicle travelling along Wheldon Road from the direction of Airedale immediately beforehand to contact them.
‘Anyone with footage which may assist this investigation is also asked to get in touch.’
Police can be contacted on 101, or by using the live-chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website.