Family pays tribute to 17-year-old Benjamin Worrall killed in Shropshire collision
Driver Danny Francis sentenced to seven years after fatal bike crash
Last updated 28th Nov 2025
The family of 17-year-old Benjamin Worrall, who tragically died after being struck by a car while riding his bike in Shropshire, has shared a heartfelt tribute to their ‘loyally fierce protector.’
Benjamin Worrall from Pontesbury, Shropshire, was cycling on the A458 Welshpool Road near Rowton Castle in Shrewsbury on 1st October 2023 when he was hit by a Range Rover driven by 29-year-old Danny Francis. Benjamin sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Francis was sentenced to seven years in prison today (28th November 2025) after a hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Following the sentencing, Benjamin’s family have paid the following tribute to him: “Ben was a unique person. He would always have something on his head, normally a bucket.
"He loved ducks, pumpkins and most of all bikes. We never fully understood where the pumpkin love came from, but he loved to chase and feed the ducks, and saved up all his money from the paper round he did at the age of 12 to buy his first bike.
“Ben was fiercely loyal and a protector to his family and friends. Despite being the youngest of his friends he was always the one to make sure they were looked after. He always carried the rucksack with the WD40 and duct tape in case they needed it during a ride.
“He loved his little sister and would do anything for her, and he always knew when she needed help, and he would be there in a heartbeat.
“Ben always wanted to be a builder, so after getting his GCSEs he went to college and completed his course in six months. He then went on to work for his cousin; in a job he loved.
“Family meant a lot to Ben, and he would always help - at a cost because he was always saving his money for his future. A week before he passed, he was helping to build a wall for his nan, which to no one’s surprise he invoiced her for. But that was our Ben, and we loved that about him.
“He loved to go fishing like his granddad. And he loved a good cup of tea, especially Yorkshire Tea. He really was an old soul in a young man’s body.
“Ben wanted to be a dad one day. He always talked about how he wanted to teach his children the things his dad had taught him.
“He hadn’t long started a new relationship and had so many plans and dreams for him and his girlfriend, Summer. Sadly, their dreams were cut short.
“We lost our son that night, but so many people were left with a Ben shaped hole in their lives following what happened. People lost their friend, their grandson, boyfriend, big brother and cousin.
“It wasn’t enough time with him; we should have had a lot more time with him with a lot more photos and videos and memories made.
“He just wanted to help people and make people smile. He was just our Ben."