A HEADTEACHER today has paid tribute to the teenager who was killed while enjoying the hobby he loved.
Keegan Crawford, pictured, was riding his bike along Chester Road, in Penshaw, when he was hit by a Ford Fiesta.
The 17-year-old was airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious head injuries, but lost his fight for life.
Richard Wilkinson, headteacher at Biddick School Sports College, in Washington, where Keegan was a former pupil, said everyone has been saddened by his death.
“I knew Keegan really well and he was a very well-known member of our school community. He was a popular young man and so passionate about bicycles.
“Never a day went by when he didn’t ask me if there were plans to create a skate and bike park in the school grounds.”
“The news of this tragic event has been felt across the whole school community.”
Mr Wilkinson said lots of the students would gather with their friends regularly at the skate parks, and Keegan’s death is being felt very deeply by them.
He said the school, where Keegan’s sister Kennedy is a Year 11 student, will be looking to place some sort of tribute in the memorial garden at a future date.
Friends and family have laid flowers and moving messages at the side of Chester Road, near to where he was knocked off his bike.
Others have paid tribute on websites, including the Echo’s.
Shaggy wrote: “RIP. Big Fella, thoughts to his family & friends. Xxkennysgirlxx wrote: “RIP Keegan.
“Our thoughts go out to your family and friends.
“Can’t imagine the pain they must feel X X.”
Rokerpark777 added: “So so so sad, god bless to all your family. Words can never cover any loss, but from all echo readers deepest deepest sympathy.”
Keegan, of Westward Place, Harraton, in Washington, was believed to be on his way to visit friends when the accident happened, near the junction of Rose Street East, at around 12.40pm on Saturday.
After the incident, a section of Chester Road between Penshaw Lane and Avondale Avenue was closed off by police for several hours.
The driver of the car was not hurt and police are still appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
Anyone who witnessed the collision should call Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Twitter: @sunechoschools
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