Family's tribute to teen who 'touched so many lives'

An 18-year-old man who died after a car smashed into a tree was a "fantastic son" who "touched so many lives", his family have said.

George Gaffney, from Northwich, was a front seat passenger in a grey Vauxhall Corsa which hit a tree on Holmes Chapel Road, Allostock, at about 21:40 BST on Sunday, Cheshire Police said.

His family said: "During his short life he touched so many lives with his personality and charm, and he will be greatly remembered by all those who knew him."

George was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other teenagers have been injured, one critically, in the incident.

"It is with great difficulty and sadness that we say goodbye to our fantastic son George," the family tribute said.

"George was a well-loved member of the Northwich community; he had recently completed his A levels at Sir John Deanes college and was excited to embark on a new career in business finance."

The driver of the car, an 18-year-old man from Davenham, sustained serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Stoke Hospital.

He is described as being in a critical condition.

A 17-year-old boy from Northwich who was a rear passenger was also hurt. He was taken to hospital, and was described as being in a stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact the force.

Det Sgt Iain Condliffe said: "This was a tragic incident and as we work to establish the exact circumstances of what happened, we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to get in touch with us.

"The same goes for anyone who may happen to have any dashcam footage or any further information which could aid our enquiries."

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