Police name 'loving' Leeds teenager who died after crashing into bridge

Piotr died in hospital after the crash on the A64(M) in Leeds on Saturday night (December 19).

Piotr, who was driving a Ford Fiesta, would have turned 18 in January.

He was a talented sportsman and yesterday, Lutel James, founder of Chapeltown Youth Development Centre (YDC), described Piotr's death as a "massive loss".

The young man won 'Sports Person of the Year' at Carr Manor Community School in 2017.

He played for Chapeltown Juniors FC and North Leeds Leopards Rugby League Club.

The Leopards posted a tribute to Piotr, which read: "It is with great sadness that I write today to inform you of the sudden death of one of our U18s team in a tragic accident Saturday evening.

"Piotr, who would turn 18 in January, was an integral member of the team - a smart, polite, lovely young man who will be greatly missed.

"Please keep his family and his friends in your thoughts and prayers."

A fundraising page has also been set up by friend Liam Flanagan to help Piotr's family.

It has raised almost £6,000 in under 24 hours.

Liam wrote: "We are raising money to help supports Piotr's family.

"He was such a loving, caring and clean hearted boy. Nobody can believe he has gone."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Piotr's family would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, the prayers and the love which they have shown towards them during this difficult time."

Two male passengers, aged 17 and 18, suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Mr James, who has coached in Leeds for many years, said: "He was a good young man, very switched on.

"He was honest, considerate and respectful.

"He was a talented footballer, he was committed."

Mr James used to manage Piotr directly, and said his death had been a blow to the whole Chapeltown YDC community.

He added: "He was well liked and respected by all the staff, It was the way he carried himself.

"It's a massive loss. Our condolences are with his parents - they are good people."

Mr James said Piotr was "always helping others" and was a "positive person".

He said Piotr had only recently got his driving licence, a step towards more independence in the young man's life.

"It is sad that he won't have the opportunity to do that," he added.

"He was respected across the board - it's how much of a good character he was."

Mr James used to manage Piotr's football squad.

He said he treated people he managed as if they were his own children.

"You never want to lose one of your own," he added.

A tribute on Chapeltown YDC's Facebook page read: "It’s with deep regret we have to inform yourselves that Piotr has passed away after a horrific car crash.

"We can't believe this young Chapeltown junior FC Footballer/Family a beautiful/well mannered /respectful young man with his whole life ahead of him - gone way too soon.

"Chapeltown Junior FC would like to send out condolences to the family RIEP Piotr.

"We feel so hurt we have lost a beautiful young man, always remembered never forgotten."

Officers would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision or who saw the car before the crash.

Officers are also keen to speak to anyone who might have dashcam footage of the incident.

Information can be given via 101 or using the contact us options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting log 1904 of 19 December.