Tributes Paid To Teenagers Killed In Stockton Crash

12 September 2011, 15:39 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Tributes are being paid to two teenagers killed when a people carrier overturned in Stockton.

Josh Corey Hopkins, 17, of Thornaby, and Joshua Thomas Stevenson, also 17, who was also known as Josh or by his nickname Ste, of Ingleby Barwick, died in the road accident yesterday.

A 17-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

The crash happened on the A66 at Thornaby, Stockton at around 5.45am yesterday when police discovered the Toyota Corolla Verso on its roof.

Four passengers, also local and teenagers, survived with either minor or no injuries and were released from the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police issued tributes on behalf of the teenagers' families.

Joshua Stevenson's family said:

'Josh, known as Ste, was a popular, polite, friendly lads' lad.

'A good as gold son and a great big brother.

'He was a clever, practical person who loved a joke and will leave a huge hole in our family.'

Josh Hopkins' mother Fiona Traill said:

'Josh is my baby and always will be.

'He is my life and I don't know what I'm going to do without him.

'He always made me laugh and was always there to give me a kiss and a cuddle.

'I love him so much.'

A force spokeswoman said:

'A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was interviewed and bailed pending further inquiries.'

The A66 was closed eastbound for eight hours to allow for recovery and investigative work to be carried out.

The spokeswoman said the families of the dead teenagers were being supported by specially trained officers.