Ben Halsall

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Blackpool boy who died after an accident cycling home from school.
Ben Halsall, 13, died hours after he suffered serious head injuries in a collision with a car just yards from his home in Watson Road, South Shore.

Friends last night visited the scene of the accident to leave floral tributes to the popular Palatine High School pupil.

Many paid tribute to a happy teenager who "made a friend everywhere he went".

Ben's school friends broke down in tears as they were informed of his death during afternoon registration yesterdayPalatine headteacher Chris Powell said: "The school community is devastated.

"Ben was a very popular student so this is a difficult and upsetting time for his classmates.

"All our thoughts are with his family at this time."

>> See the original story and read the tributes.

The accident happened at 3.30pm on Tuesday when Ben's bicycle was in collision with a silver Vauxhall Corsa near to the junction of Watson Road and Oak Avenue.

The injured schoolboy was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where his parents joined him at his bedside.

Despite attempts to save his life, Ben's condition deteriorated and he died yesterday morning.

Rachel Clarke, 13, who laid flowers at the crash scene with her mother, said: "Nobody can believe Ben has been killed.

"We found out in afternoon lessons and people have been crying their eyes out. He was really popular and always very happy and giddy, it's just so sad."

Classmate Elly Alderson, 13, said: "People are so shocked and saddened. He was really good fun to be around and liked to have a laugh, everybody is really upset."

Neighbour William McFall, 64, said: "The whole community is devastated.

Ben was good friends with my step son and came round to our house quite a bit. He was a real character, absolutely full of life and always smiling. He was the sort of lad that made a friend everywhere he went and he will be sadly missed."

Vicky Birchall, 45, said: "I often used to see Ben taking the dog for a walk, he was a lovely, polite boy. He was quite talkative and would always give you the time of day.

"This is absolutely tragic for his family. His mum was always saying what a good boy he was.

"It's just devastating this should have happened."

Ben was a junior player at Blackpool Stanley Rugby Club.

A member of the coaching staff, who was one of many to post a
tribute on The Gazette's website, said: "Ben was a great person and it was my pleasure to have known him."
Johanb, of Watson Road, posted: "Ben was an ace lad and always had a smile on his face. I'm going to miss you mate."

Ty, from Blackpool, added: "You were the best, you were a really kind friend and school won't be the same without you. You always looked out for me."

Fitman, also of Blackpool, said: "Class 8TL are all very sorry to hear of this tragedy. We will all miss his smiling face around school."
And Charlie F said: "I'm really going to miss you mate. Thanks for all the times you stuck up for me."

The driver of the Corsa, a 42-year-old local woman, was uninjured.

The road was closed for three hours following the crash as police launched an investigation into how the accident happened.

Sgt Adam Lloyd, chief investigating officer from Blackpool Police's road policing unit, said: "Ben's family are obviously distraught by what has happened.

"We have specially-trained officers with them as they come to terms with this tragic news.

"I would renew my appeal for witnesses and ask that anybody who saw what happened to come forward."

Blackpool Police can be contacted by calling (01253) 293933.

>> See the original story and read the tributes.

Leave your tribute to Ben below.

The full article contains 656 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

Last Updated: 11 June 2009 8:24 AM
Source: n/a
Location: Blackpool