Family pay tribute to ‘caring and compassionate’ teenager killed in A17 crash
William was driving a Ford Fiesta when it was struck from behind by an Audi
Last updated 20th Aug 2025
The family of William Ray, a 17-year-old who died in a collision on the A17 last summer, have paid heartfelt tribute to him following the conclusion of court proceedings.
William, from Sleaford, was driving a Ford Fiesta when it was struck from behind by an Audi near North Rauceby on 20 June 2024. He and his best friend, 18-year-old Eddie Shore, both later died in hospital.
In a statement, William’s mother Sarah described her son as not only her child but also her “best friend”:
“Will was not just my only son, he was also a best friend and I love him dearly. He was academic and athletic – gifted at gymnastics and rugby – and he embraced an active life that I was proud to be a part of. Will, with his friends, formed a tight group known as ‘The Bulldogs’ who supported each other through everything.”
She added that William had been due to study aerospace engineering at the University of Sheffield, after successfully passing his A-levels:
“Will’s life was only just starting… As a mother, I will never get to see Will graduate, get married or make his future life. I just miss him so much – his smile, his cheekiness and his friendship. Will, I love you.”
His father Steven said: “Will was the best of us – as a son, brother, grandson and friend. He had been looking forward to university, travel, and relationships, all of which I know would have been filled with success. We now all have to learn what a new normal will be for us without Will. He will never be forgotten.”
At Lincoln Crown Court, Natasha Allarakhia, 36, from Norwich, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing the deaths of William and Eddie by dangerous driving and for causing serious injury to two other passengers.
The court heard that Allarakhia’s Audi Q2 had been travelling at more than 90mph before crashing into the Fiesta, which was waiting at temporary traffic lights. She had been drinking alcohol while driving and initially tried to blame a non-existent man for being behind the wheel.
Police investigators concluded that William could have done nothing to avoid the crash.
Detective Sergeant Kate Johnston said Allarakhia’s actions had “destroyed lives” and described her behaviour as “reckless, selfish and dangerous.”