Son's death "gives life to others"

Father pays tribute to 16 year-old cyclist

A 16-year-old boy who was in collision with a car on Thursday evening has died. Ben Davies passed away on Saturday morning at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, surrounded by his family. 

Tributes have been made by family, friends and his school and college.

His father Graham says: “Ben brought immense joy to many whilst alive. We have, and will always be, immensely proud of him. Through his death he will now go on giving life to others.” Ben's organs have been donated following his death.

He leaves behind his father Graham, mother Ros, and siblings Eleanor and Matthew. Ben studied at St Peter’s School and had just started a course in engineering and aerospace at Exeter College.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “We are deeply saddened at the tragic news of Ben’s passing. At this very difficult time, all of our thoughts and prayers go to Ben’s family and friends. The college is offering support to any young person who has been affected by this tragedy.”

St Peter’s Headteacher, Phil Randall said: “Ben was a much loved student at St Peter’s and was a gifted sportsman who was a member of the winning U17 National Frisbee Team 2018. Tributes are already coming in about Ben, describing him as a 'Happy, cheerful, very funny, sporty, compassionate, a lovely, lovely young man. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ben’s family and friends.  We would ask that their privacy is respected at this time."

The family attend Trinity Church in Exeter who, along with police, have been offering support over the weekend. Rev Jonny Elvin said: “Ben was a much loved member of our church family. He was intelligent, thoughtful and kind – always caring for others and with a great sense of humour.  Only last week he was discussing his plans for the future and how to lead a purposeful life. We are shocked and saddened by his death and doing everything we can to support his family.

“Their brave decision to donate organs at this time, to think of others during unimaginable pain, gives you some idea of the Davies family and their kindness. Ben's friends at St Peter's are being supported by a specialist team from the Diocese of Exeter as they come to terms with the news. The St. Peter’s room at the school will be open this week as a place for reflection and consolation.

Ben’s family would very much like his friends to share their memories of Ben in the memory books at the school. A memory book will also be available at Unlimited Church, who run a free café for Exeter College students each Wednesday from 12.30-3pm.

Over the next few weeks they have offered to give it over especially for Ben’s friends as a safe space for them to be together at this time. All are welcome. It is run by Rev James Grier who was honorary chaplain for year 11 last year at St. Peter’s.

The funeral will take place at a date to be announced.

Officers from the serious collision investigation team are investigating the incident and appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Please contact police via 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting log number 794 of 13/09/18.