The family of a teenager killed in a car crash during which two other teenagers died have paid tribute to their ‘loving and caring’ son.
Jacob Holman, 17, died in hospital the day after the car crash near Shifnal in Shropshire, on March 14 also killed Jenson Bridges, who was the same age, and Simon Evans, 18. Another teenager, 17, suffered life-changing injuries.
Jacob’s family have now paid tribute, saying: ‘Jacob truly was an amazing son, grandson, brother and friend and he will be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
‘We are very comforted knowing he is with his dad now, who will be looking after him.’
Jacob was the youngest of four siblings, with three older sisters, and has been described as an ‘incredible friend’ and ‘the prankster of the household’.
The tribute continued: ‘Jacob was amazing. Everyone who knew Jacob would say he was quite a shy person when you first met him, but once you knew him it was easy to see how loving and caring he was, and how funny. We are very proud of the man he was becoming.
‘Jacob had a wonderful group of friends who have given us tremendous support during this difficult time.
‘We are meeting friends of his we didn’t know he had, who are all telling us stories about how much of an incredible friend he was.
‘Just after Christmas Jacob found himself a job at a local restaurant here in Tettenhall as a pot washer, before he was quickly given the opportunity to help with preparing some of the food.
‘He was learning to make the starters and desserts, and he was so proud of his creations, taking photos and showing his friends. We believe he had found his calling in life.
‘He would often cook for his friends when they came round to our home – I think it’s fair to say he was very domesticated and mature for his age.
‘Jacob was the youngest of four growing up with three sisters, who were fearlessly protective of him, even though he was the prankster of the household and would spend his days winding them up at any opportunity.
‘We live in a small community, and everyone knew Jacob. The local shop would always have a can of Monster and packet of strawberry laces waiting for him.
‘Jacob enjoyed most food but his favourite was chicken wings, ensuring he had a regular visit to the local pub to enjoy a kilo of them to himself. This also allowed him to spend time with mum.’
Inspector Steph Arrowsmith of West Mercia Police said: ‘Sadly, three teenagers have died and one remains in hospital with life-changing injuries in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected.
‘We continue to carry out enquiries into the collision and I would like to thank everybody who has contacted us so far with information to assist with our investigation.
‘We are still appealing to anyone else who may have been on Offoxey Road on Friday night to get in contact.
‘We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have been travelling through Bishops Wood and Brewood around 11pm, as we believe the Audi travelled along Port Lane and Kiddemore Green Road ahead of the incident.
‘We believe the Audi was travelling together with a red Vauxhall Corsa and a black VW Golf.
‘The vehicles were not involved in the collision in any way, but we’re hoping motorists in the area may remember seeing the three vehicles together.’
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