Rotherham families pay tribute to teenagers killed in crash
Police are continuing to appeal for information on the deaths of Jacob Patching and Jacob Skidmore
The families of two teenagers who died in a crash in Rotherham have paid heartfelt tributes to their loved ones.
Emergency services were called out at 6.43pm on Saturday 26th September to reports a white BMW 3 series had left East Bawtry Road, colliding with a lamppost.
Despite the efforts of the public, fire service, paramedics, and officers, both 19-year-olds were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Jacob Patching's family described him as "a loyal, hardworking, caring and kind young man with a contagious sense of humour who had a love for the outdoors."
They added, "Our whole lives have changed beyond measure in an instant and the pain left behind is immeasurable. Nothing will ever be the same without him."
They also expressed gratitude to the emergency services and the wider community.
Jacob Skidmore's family said, "Jacob was loved by all who knew him, especially his work family at The Paint Factory, his girlfriend, and his friends."
"He had a great love for mending anything with an engine as his mates know this well enough. He has left a big hole in our family that will never close. Forever in our hearts. Love Mum, Dad, Brothers and Sister," they added.
The community continues to support the grieving families, while police are investigating the crash and appealing for any witnesses or footage.
Anyone with relevant footage can share it through the South Yorkshire Police online portal, or contact them via live chat or by calling 101, quoting incident number 817 of 26th September 2026.