Parents’ heartfelt tribute to “caring” teenager who died on building site as police launch investigation
The incident is being investigated by Durham Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive
The proud parents of a Wearside teenager who died after being injured on a building site have described him as “the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet”.
Construction worker Shay Bladen suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a concrete pipe while working on a housing development at Sniperley, near Durham City on Thursday (April 16).
The 17-year-old, from Witton Gilbert, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle but, sadly, died on Friday (April 17) night.
Today, his heartbroken parents Lee and Samantha issued a poignant tribute to their son.
In a statement released through Durham Constabulary, they said: “Shay was the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet. He lit up every room making everyone smile even on the worst days.
“He was a genuine friend to many and the most amazing, caring, big brother to Ellis and Edie.
“Shay loved to go boxing and go to the gym and he loved work and his job and just constantly being on the go.
“Shay also loved spending time with his long-term girlfriend Libby. As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of the hard working, determined young man Shay turned out to be.
“We love you and seeing how highly everyone speaks about you just shows the type of person you were.
“Our handsome brown eyed boy - forever 17”.
A joint investigation between Durham Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive is underway and Shay’s family are being supported by specially-trained police officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Crowe, who is leading the investigation, said: “This has been a truly tragic incident and I would like to offer Shay’s family and friends the sincere condolences of everyone at Durham Constabulary.
“We are carrying out a joint investigation with our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive to determine the exact circumstances as to how this tragedy has unfolded”.
A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson added: “We are investigating this incident alongside our colleagues at Durham Constabulary.”