Tragic death of Gary, 18

FRIENDS and family of a 'popular and lively' young mechanic who was killed in a car accident on Sunday afternoon have told of their devastation.

Gary Walker, 18, was driving through Hellingly on the A267 when his white Citroen AX careered off the road and smashed into a tree.

He was killed instantly and his 15-year-old girlfriend, who was sitting in the passenger seat, suffered serious injuries including brain damage.

Gary's mother Vicki, who lives in Haven Close, Pevensey Bay, said of her son this week: 'Everyone who knew him loved him. He was the kindest, most loving and caring person you could ever hope to meet and the best son you could ever wish for.

'He loved driving and he lived for his car. He spent all his money on it and his girlfriend. He started learning to drive as soon as he was able and had been driving for about a year. Before that, he had a motorbike.

'He was interested in anything mechanical and wanted to know how everything worked. He loved cars of all sorts.

'If you got a new car, he'd be out there telling you how all the bits worked and where everything was as soon as he saw it. He was like it from the minute he could talk.'

When he left Willingdon School after his GCSEs, Gary joined Stop 'n' Steer in Eastbourne as an apprentice mechanic. Manager Paul Willott said Gary will be a very sad loss.

'There will be a funeral service at Eastbourne Crematorium on Thursday, October 24 at 12.15pm. Anyone who wishes to attend may do so, but Mrs Walker has asked for family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Lifeboat Appeal.

Police would like to hear from anyone who passed through the Wellshurst area on the A267 after 1pm on Sunday, October 13, to establish the exact time of the accident.

Readers with any information should contact Polegate traffic police on 0845 60 70 999.