A HEARTBROKEN mum has paid a loving tribute to her ‘wonderful son’ after an inquest into his death was heard.
Joshua Reid from Russell Close died after the quad bike he was riding lost control and crashed in Graham Road on Friday, July 12, following which he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with a serious head injury.
Marguerite Elcock, deputy coroner for Worcestershire, this month returned a verdict at Worcestershire Coroners Court stating the 18-year-old died as a result of an accident.
More than 200 people attended Joshua’s funeral in the summer and many friends and strangers laid flowers at Graham Road in his memory.
Following the inquest, his mum Lisa said in a statement Joshua was taken too soon and had plenty to offer the world.
“Josh will be remembered as a wonderful son, brother, nephew and friend to many.
“We love and miss Josh so very much. He was taken too soon and will never be forgotten.
“We are all so very proud and honoured to have had him in our lives. There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe the love and affection that we have towards Josh.
“Josh was born to live life to the fullest. He loved life, especially his music, the louder the better. Even I, his mother, have been listening to Vybz Kartel, which was one of his favourites.”
She added her well-built son was known to his friends as Henchy and had always ‘looked after himself’, keeping his appearance immaculate.
“Josh had a huge personality and had so much more to offer this world.
“He always treated people with the respect and dignity they deserved. This respect was repaid back to him through his friends and many of the people that he had touched throughout the 18 years that he had blessed us with.”
Lisa also praised the efforts of the emergency services and those at the scene who did all they could to help save Joshua’s life.
“We will be forever grateful to all the emergency services and those at the scene of the incident who tried so desperately to save our gorgeous boy,” she added.
“Also we would like to thank everyone that has helped after Josh had gone. West Mercia Police’s coroners officer David Bird has been wonderful. I couldn’t thank the mortuary and hospital staff enough for their help and understanding of our loss.”
