morgue
Filed photo: A corpse

A heartbroken family has paid tribute to their “most wonderful” son who died in a car crash.

Jack Stabler, 17, was the passenger in a car which collided with another vehicle on the B1249 near Driffield in June and died at the scene. Another 18-year-old suffered serious injuries.

Jack, a lifeguard, was known as an excellent sportsman playing both football and cricket with a large group of friends, Hull Live reported.

In a statement, Jack’s family said: “We are all deeply shocked and saddened.

“Jack was the most wonderful son, grandson, cousin and nephew. He was so close to all his family, especially his cousins and thoroughly enjoyed family holidays.

“He was friendly, loving, kind, happy and great fun and loved being with his friends and family. We would like to thank the hundreds of people who have sent messages of support, and we are very grateful to everyone who has been in touch.

“We knew Jack had a great network of friends who he enjoyed sporting activities and spending time with. This was summed up by the many bouquets of flowers, photos, messages and several signed sporting shirts which were left at Scarborough Road, as well as the photo memory box. It shows just how many people’s lives he touched.”

Jack’s football side Driffield EI also paid tribute to Jack , adding: “Local football has sadly lost a young player who had shown tremendous potential and was a credit to himself and his family, both on and off the field

“Jack made his debut in senior football for Driffield EI 1sts at the tender age of 16 and has been part of the first team squad on a number of occasions during the 2021/22 season.

“No doubt Jack would have been part of the newly-formed club, Great Driffield AFC.

“RIP Jack: The EI Family.”

Driffield School & Sixth Form said in a statement: “There are no words that can even come close to describing the impact of such a tragic loss on Jack’s family and friends, as well as our wider school community.

“Jack was a wonderful young man who was always full of enthusiasm. He was valued so highly by his peers, who benefited regularly from his ever-ready smile.

“The fact that Jack was so popular among both Year 12 and Year 13 students bears testimony to the vibrant sense of fun that he brought to any group he was part of.

“Jack was a superb all round sportsman, playing a range of sports and participating in the school ski trip.

“However, it was always on the football field that he excelled and he would often step from the ordinary and comfortable in order to improve as a player.

“Jack always proved to be a well-respected and loved young man who had a mature head on his shoulders. He was unfailingly honest and he will be remembered so fondly, by both his peers and our staff.

“All our thoughts and prayers will be with Jack’s family and friends as they try to make sense of such devastating news.”