Family's 'heartfelt loss' of loving son in car crash

Scott Stevenson, 18, died from serious head injuries after the Ford Fiesta he was driving hit a central reservation and slammed into a parked car on the A689, Stockton Road, Hartlepool, on Monday.

He was admitted to the intensive care unit of Hartlepool General Hospital but died later that day.

Mr Stevenson, a trainee hairdresser, played for Rugby FC, a Sunday league football team joint managed by Hartlepool's directly-elected mayor, Stuart Drummond.

The midfielder had played his part in a team victory on Sunday afternoon before his death hours later, just after midnight the following day.

His distraught father, Robert, said the family have been left devastated by his death.

He said: "This is a heart-felt loss of a loving son. Scott will be dearly missed by his sister Heather and grandparents Alan, Maureen and Molly."

A former pupil of Hartlepool's Henry Smith School, he was a promising sportsman who had played as goalkeeper for Hartlepool United at under 14 and under 15 level.

As well as playing for Rugby FC, he also played rugby at colt level for Hartlepool Old Boys Rugby Football Club, based in Easington Road.

Stuart Drummond, who had coached Mr Stevenson for the last 12 months, also told of his sadness.

He said: "He was a very popular lad and a bubbly character. I am a friend of the family and I would like to express my deepest sympathy to them."

Team captain Nick Loughlin, who is also The Northern Echo's sports editor, said team members were shocked at the news.

He said: "Everyone will miss him terribly. He was a bit of character and would come with a different haircut every week.

"We are currently second in our league so the best tribute we can pay is to finish top in honour of Scott."

Two other male passengers suffered whiplash injury in the accident but have been released by Hartlepool General Hospital.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the accident to contact PC Neil Empson on (01642) 301558.