A BALLOON release to remember a Darlington teenager who died in a van crash last weekend saw his nearest and dearest pay tribute to him.
The loved ones of 17-year-old Philip Plews gathered at Holgate Moor Green this evening (February 10) to share their memories and remember his life.
Read more: Police release name of teenager who died in Darlington van crash
Mr Plews, who was a passenger in a white transit van, was killed in a one-vehicle collision on Carmel Road South in Darlington on Saturday (February 5) at 7.30pm.
The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
Roadside tributes to the teenager appeared at the scene over the weekend, and numerous tributes have appeared online following the 17-year-old’s death.
One message said: “Rest in Peace. Fly high big lad, taken way too soon. My thoughts go out to all your family.”
Another said: “Took from this world far 2 soon. May be gone but never forgotten.”
Northern Echo readers have also paid tribute to the teenager, as “good lad” with a “heart of gold”.
But, now, family and friends have had a proper chance to say their goodbyes during tonight’s balloon release, which was attended by hundreds people.
In a tribute released earlier this week, his family said: “If our love could have saved you my boy, you would have lived forever. We love you all the world.”
Tonight, at the balloon release, his cousin, Shaun Wigham, paid tribute to Philip - calling him a "one in a million" and a "gentle giant".
He said: "He was well loved by so many - he didn't have a bad bone in his body. My cousin was a gentle giant, he loved his cars and vehicles and the turn out of the balloon release just tells you everything you need to know about him."
Meanwhile, his best friend, Jamie Wilby, remembered his "brother" as someone who would help out wherever he could.
Paying tribute, Mr Wilby told The Northern Echo: "Fly high my brother - you were the best friend that anyone could ask for - I love you.
"He was the most calm and relaxed man, he would help anyone and he was massively into his cars, bikes and quads - anything with an engine.
"I miss him so much, I'd give an arm and a leg to have him back."
One of his other cousins, Serena Smith, also paid tribute to Philip this evening, saying: "He was loved by many and will be remembered as a gentle giant. He loved fishing and cars, everyone here tonight will know him for those things. He's gone too soon and we all miss him - fly high."
In the aftermath of Philip's death, the driver of the vehicle he was in was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has been questioned and released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Anyone with any dashcam footage of a white Transit van being driven along the A66 from the Darlington Arena in the direction of Carmel Road South shortly before 7.30pm is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference 352 of February 5.
Workers from Virgin Media have been on the scene since to repair damage caused by the collision, which left some households without internet.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here