Youth centre founder pays tribute to "talented" young footballer who died in Leeds crash

Piotr Piekara, 17, died after a crash on Saturday night.

The Ford Fiesta he was driving left the carriageway of a slip road onto the A64(M) and hit a bridge.

The "talented" young man played for Chapeltown Juniors FC, and also played rugby.

Lutel James, founder of Chapeltown Youth Development Centre (YDC), described it as a "massive loss".

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 was 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 cant believe this young Chapeltown junior FC Footballer/Family a beautiful/well mannered /respectful young man with his whole life ahead of him - gone way to 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."

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for information about what happened.

Two passengers, a 17-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, were also taken to hospital after the crash but have since been discharged.

A spokesman for the force said: "Officers were called to the entry slip road on the A64(M) Leeds at 9.30pm yesterday evening (December 19).

"A Ford Fiesta left the carriageway and was in collision with a bridge.

"The driver, a 17 year old male, was taken to hospital and died from his injuries.

"Two passengers, a 17 and 18 year old male, were taken to hospital but have since been discharged.

"Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the vehicle prior to the collision to come forward.

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