Family pay tribute to Derbyshire teenager killed in a crash
18 year old Luca Bennett died after his car hit a tree in Stoney Middleton
The family of 18-year-old Luca Bennett who died in a collision in Stoney Middleton at the weekend, have paid tribute to him as the ‘light in our house’.
Luca was driving his VW Polo in The Dale in the early hours of Saturday 10 May, when the vehicle left the road and collided with a tree.
Luca sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have shared the following words, in tribute to their teenage son:
“Luca was the light in our house – his warm heart, infectious smile and his love of life brought joy to everyone who met him. Luca was loved and adored, but the love he gave back to everyone around him was unmatched.
“Family was everything to Luca, and he always made time for each of us. He checked in daily, popping in every day to see his grandparents next door. If you didn’t pick up the phone, he’d be knocking at your door to see that you were ok – and be offended that you hadn’t answered!
“To his siblings he was a constant support, a friend to listen, a taxi service, the life of the party, a mentor and football coach to the youngest member of the family. He loved nothing more than being on a Welsh beach, with his family, dogs and a football at his feet.
“Luca had ambitions to be the very best at his joinery, and according to his boss and college he stood out from the crowd.
“Luca had a strong work ethic and worked six days out of seven. When he wasn’t working he was on the pitch playing football for Bakewell and Tideswell. He recently climbed Snowdon and had started wild swimming with friends – his endless energy was always inspiring.
“Luca had spoken about getting married and having a big family in the future. All this and more has been so tragically taken away from us.
“The void he leaves is too vast to describe. Our lives can never, and will never, be the same – but Luca was so strong, and from this we draw an inner strength.
“We cannot thank everyone enough for the kindness, support and outpouring of love – it means so much to us as a family.”