'He truly was one of a kind' - Tributes paid to young sportsman, 20, who died in Chichester crash

"He will leave a massive hole in everyone’s heart and will be someone I’ll never be able to forget."
The University of Chichester's Spitfires American Football team has officially retired Wills jersey number (40). Photo: Tara BunkerThe University of Chichester's Spitfires American Football team has officially retired Wills jersey number (40). Photo: Tara Bunker
The University of Chichester's Spitfires American Football team has officially retired Wills jersey number (40). Photo: Tara Bunker

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a Chichester University student, and talented American football player, who died in a crash last Wednesday (August 5).

Will Musk, 20, died after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a grey Toyota Hilux on A286 Birdham Road just before 5.40pm.

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Dorset was Will's home but he had been studying adventure education at the University of Chichester, where he was part of the Spitfires American Football team.

Friend Richard Jarvis said Will 'brought a smile everywhere he went'.

"There is so much to say about Will," he said. "He was always so down to earth, there as a shoulder to cry on and to have a good laugh with whenever you were feeling down or just wanted a laugh.

"He is very loved throughout university and the American football team.

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"He always brought a smile everywhere he went, he truly was one of a kind.

"He was passionate with everything he did, ranging from his classes, American football and his motorbikes.

"He will leave a massive hole in everyone’s heart and will be someone I’ll never be able to forget.

"[It is] a shame we only knew him for less than a year but he had such an impact on his friends' lives and will truly be missed."

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James Harris, head coach of the Chichester Spitfires, said the way Will approached university life was a 'joy to watch' as he 'took every opportunity with both hands'.

He added: "Will Musk was a pleasure to coach. He came into the team as a shy young man and blossomed throughout the year into a team mate everyone could depend on.

"We as a club have officially retired Will’s jersey number and will present his playing jersey to his family.

"My thoughts go out to Will’s family at this time and we are sending them our love and support."

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James, on behalf of Will's family, set up a fundraiser for a memorial 'to celebrate Will’s life' and 'remind people how precious life is and to enjoy every minute'.

The target was £1,500 but, in just three days, more than £3,200 has been raised.

James said: "Myself and the Spitfires are overwhelmed with the support from the British American football community and his gofundme page has almost doubled its goal."

On the fundraising page, he added: "Will was an incredible young man with a zest for life that inspired others around him. As well as touching a lot of hearts whilst at university he was popular at home in Dorset.

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"He had a happy go lucky attitude and was always up for a challenge as well as striving to get the best of himself in all situations. Will was incredibly kind hearted and always had time for his friends and family."

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