'You couldn’t find nicer lads than these two and they were an absolute pleasure to coach'
A rugby club has paid tribute to two of its players who tragically died in a car crash in Yorkshire.
On Friday (July 29), a 17-year-old and two 18-year-olds died after the car they were travelling in crashed at around 11pm, on the B6268, Masham Road near Thornton Watlass, Bedale.
The driver of the vehicle, also 18, remains in hospital with serious injuries. Police do not believe there was another vehicle involved in the crash.
Two of the victims have been identified as Aaron Bell and Louis Banks, who were both members of Wensleydale RUFC, a rugby club in North Yorkshire.
In a statement, the club paid tribute to their former players.
They said: "Yesterday we heard the devastating news that two of our own, Aaron Bell and Louis Banks had died in a car accident. Both lads starred playing at Wensleydale aged 7 and last season Aaron became a regular in the senior squad scoring tries for fun for both the 1st and 2nd team.
"You couldn’t find nicer lads than these two and [they] were an absolute pleasure to coach. You will both be sorely missed and always a part of our club. Condolences to Aaron and Louis families, friends and teammates from everyone at WRUFC."
https://www.facebook.com/wensleydalerugbyclub/posts/pfbid02f23tQq7o6W4tWAh2ERfF6fHysX7Sk5fgx3c61nGnDS2vJfuCuq1q2UKAJzkQHftHl
Rugby clubs from across the county have paid tribute to Aaron and Louis, along with many others who commented on the post.
Ossett Rugby wrote: "Awful news. Sending love and thoughts to the families and all at Wensleydale RUFC from all at Ossett RUFC."
Mike Dale commented that "all at Southport RFC" were sending love and thoughts to the families and everyone at Wensleydale RUFC.
And Craig Ridgill added: "Very sad news - thoughts are with you and all the families from Wheatley Hills RUFC."
Aaron also played football at North Yorkshire Soccer Academy, who described him as an "all round great kid."
They said Aaron would be remembered for his "tenacity, pace, power and of course that beaming smile."
https://www.facebook.com/nysocceracademy/posts/pfbid0smmEzUZfoJNGc8AQsAhNqs1mg4ckqzmvuVCvrKQCbY5SfirqAxUABwFdEjWTYC8l
The third victim of the crash has yet to be identified. All three of the boys were pupils at Bedale High School.
A spokesperson for
North Yorkshire Police said they are still appealing for information about the accident.
They said: "We're appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, may have seen the vehicle in the area prior to the collision or anyone who may have dashcam footage or any other information that could help the investigation.
"If you can help, please email: MCIT@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for the Major Collision Investigation Team.
"Please quote reference number 12220133414 when providing details."
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