Featherstone school pays tribute to Hemsworth quad bike crash victim

Tributes have been paid to former St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School pupil Brandon Brown who was one of four friends killed in a horrific quad bike crash near Hemsworth.
Flowers at the scene of the Quad Bike crash at Sprockhoevel Way, Hemsworth..28th September 2015 ..Picture by Simon HulmeFlowers at the scene of the Quad Bike crash at Sprockhoevel Way, Hemsworth..28th September 2015 ..Picture by Simon Hulme
Flowers at the scene of the Quad Bike crash at Sprockhoevel Way, Hemsworth..28th September 2015 ..Picture by Simon Hulme

Mr Brown, 20, died along with Terrie Kirby, 16, Ryan Beal, 20, and Alexandra Binns, 18, when their quad bike was hit from behind by a Nissan 350Z on the A6201 between Upton and Hemsworth at around 12.30am on Sunday.

Police have confirmed Mr Beal was the fourth victim of the accident this afternoon (Wednesday).

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Three of the group died at the scene while one of the men died in hospital from his injuries. All of the victims were from the Upton area.

Brandon BrownBrandon Brown
Brandon Brown

Iain Mcabe, assistant headteacher at the school, said: “Brandon made the most of his time at St Wilfrid’s, he worked within the communication and resource team and quickly made great strides and established himself within the year group.

“As he grew so did his confidence, showing his strengths on the rugby field and within his practical lessons.

“He was a real character who grew into a fine young man and was looking forward to making his mark in the world of mechanics.

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“A loving brother who always looked out for his family. A young man who was taken too soon, and will be missed.”

Mr Mcabe said the school will also install a plaque at the school as a tribute to Mr Brown.

Two men, aged 21 and 22, who were in the Nissan were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Police said the Nissan was travelling towards Hemsworth on the A6201 when it was in “collision with the rear of the quad bike”.

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Det Chf Insp Richard Holmes, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, renewed a police appeal for witnesses when he spoke at a press conference at the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday.

He said: “A number of witnesses have told police that a short time before the collision, the Nissan 350Z was seen parked up nearby, along with a number of other cars. Police urgently need to speak to any occupants of those cars.

“We also now know from witnesses that the quad bike was in and around Hemsworth town centre about an hour before the collision and also ask any witnesses who may have seen it to come forward.

“Officers are continuing their meticulous enquiries at the scene and it is vital that we speak to anyone who may be able to provide information, no matter how small. This is a tragedy for the families of those involved and a huge shock to the whole community.”

Anyone with any information should contact West Yorkshire Police’s homicide and major enquiry team on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.