James Thetford, 21, from Raleigh Crescent, died after the silver BMW he was driving crashed into a concrete fence and a lamp post on the A259 Albion Street, Southwick, at 2.34am on Thursday, March 5.

His parents, Paul and Claire Thetford, paid tribute to their beloved son and urged young drivers to take care of themselves.

Mr Thetford said: "I would like to say to all youngsters to look at this and learn from it. Learn from this tragedy. You're not invincible."

Huge character

Mrs Thetford described her son as "a huge character", adding: "He was put on this planet to have fun and that's what he did.

"He was the wackiest person you could ever meet. He was so funny.

"Everybody he met, he seemed to leave an imprint on them ."

She paid special thanks to all of his "absolutely amazing" friends who had supported the family – and especially James' 17-year-old brother Grant – since his death.

Funeral

Mr Thetford said the family were all thinking of Hayley Pierce, who was in the car with James and suffered serious injuries.

He said: "We wish her well and hope she gets better and makes a full recovery.

We just hope she pulls through."

James' funeral will take place at 3pm today (Thursday, March 19) at Worthing Crematorium.

All are welcome but guests are required to wear bright colours instead of black.


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