Jack Boast: Friends plan lantern tributes to Bentilee crash victim

SCHOOL friends of death crash victim Jack Boast are planning to light lanterns in memory of the young motorcylist.

Scores of friends and family members are expected to turn out this weekend to remember the young motorcyclist.

The 18-year-old, from Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, died after his motorcycle collided with a van in Bentilee on Saturday.

Mourners are planning to release lanterns in memory of the popular teenager on Sunday.

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A location is yet to be announced for the lantern launch, but Jack’s pals are confident that dozens of people will get involved.

Kane Leese, aged 18, from Lightwood, said: “I have known Jack pretty much his whole life. We went to the same nursery together and then primary school and he was an absolutely great lad.

“He was always into his bikes and we used to cycle everywhere when we were younger. Then he has grown up and got a motorbike instead.

“Jack was always up for a laugh and he was a bit of a rebel at school.”

The crash happened at the junction of Croftfield Road and Dividy Road in Bentilee, at around 7.40pm, on Saturday.

The 18-year-old St Thomas More High School student was initially treated at the scene by paramedics, but was later transferred to hospital where he died.

Kane added: “I found out through family and friends and we are all in complete shock.

“It is such a terrible thing to happen to someone and he was so young. It could have been any of us.

“I think people want to meet on Sunday to remember him and it is being organised on Facebook.”

Corrina Carpenter, aged 18, from Meir, went to lay flowers at the scene of the accident.

She said: “I knew Jack throughout primary and secondary school. He was a right laugh and always such a happy person. I heard that there had been an accident but I didn’t know he was involved.

“It is such a sad time for everyone.”

Martin Nugent, headteacher at St Thomas Moore school, said: “Jack was a wonderful student.

“He will be sadly missed by all the staff and pupils of the school.”

A statement from Jack’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support.

“We ask to be left to grieve following the tragic loss of our beloved Jack, and would like our privacy to be respected at this very difficult time.”

The crash involved Jack’s red Kymco motorcycle and a blue Vauxhall panel van.

The 25-year-old driver of the van, a man from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink driving.

He has since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.