‘Two lovely lads’ - Tributes pour in to Newcastle United-loving teenagers killed in tragic Morpeth collision

The devastated family of a ‘fun-loving duo’ have paid tributes to two Newcastle United-loving teenagers who tragically died in a Morpeth collision on Sunday.

Riley Hedley, 17, and Mikey Easton, 16, both died in a collision on the A196 near Coopies Way shortly after 12:40 am on Sunday.

Releasing a joint statement in memory of the best friends, the families said: “We are heartbroken beyond words. Both our families have had their worlds turned upside down.

“Riley and Mikey were inseparable. Two lads who grew up together and were so close - they could have been brothers. They were a fun-loving duo that lit up every room.

“No news has ever devastated us more. Our lives will be changed forever and there will never be a day that goes by that we won’t miss them with all our hearts.

“We have all taken a huge amount of comfort in the kindness that we have been shown by the friends of Riley and Mikey, they were two boys who made a loving and lasting impact on everybody they met and were loved by all.

“We also want to thank neighbours and local businesses for their kindness - the whole community has rallied behind us and we’re so full of gratitude.

“While we thank everyone for their support and kindness, we now ask that our privacy be respected while we continue to try and come to terms with the loss of our two wonderful boys.”

Family friend Kacie Grant has set up a fundraiser to help raise money to pay for the teenagers' funerals and confirmed that the boys were both 'big fans' of Newcastle United.

She added: "I was close to the boys and I’m trying to raise as much money as I can to support their family, the boys were so very loved by us all and they were massive parts of our lives."

Over £5,000 has already been raised for the families from 185 donations with tributes pouring in to "two lovely lads".

An investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing.

Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses, especially anyone who might have dashcam footage, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police immediately by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on their website or calling 101 quoting log NP-20230312-0045.