THERE was a big turnout to say farewell to a teenager who was killed in a van crash.
Philip Michael Plews, from Darlington, died on February 5 after the van he was travelling in as a passenger crashed in Carmel Road South.
Wellwishers lined the street outside St Augustine’s Church today (Wednesday), which was packed as friends and family turned out for the funeral of the 17-year-old.
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Known for his love of fishing, nature and motorbikes, the “gentle giant” will be remembered as a “wind up merchant” who spent his time taking motors apart and putting them back together.
He loved nothing more than to spend his whole summer fishing and was known as being his father Philip’s shadow, with whom he also worked.
A loyal friend, Philip also loved motown music, his dog and being in nature.
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A convoy of trucks followed the funeral party to the church, laden with floral tributes to Philip, including nods to his love for cars, his dog and diet coke, photographs and messages for the popular teenager, as well as a motorbike.
The son of Ann-Marie and Philip, Philip junior was a brother to Chantelle, Natalia, Kellyann, Lisa-Marie and Frankie.
Paying tribute to him, his uncle Dean said: "He was a fun-loving young man. He loved his music and fishing and his family. He was a typical little lad, taken too soon."
Music played during the service included Sam Smith's Lay Me Down, John Legend's All of Me and Love Inc's You're a Superstar.
The service was followed by the interment at West Cemetery and refreshments at Haughton Club.
Dozens of tributes, flowers and balloons have also been left by the roadside where Philip died.
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.
Enquiries are still being made.
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