Tributes paid to teenager killed in Wilburton crash

Tributes have been paid to a teenager from Cambridge who died in a crash near Ely.

Ben Bland was a passenger in a black Skoda Fabia VRS, when it left the road and crashed into a tree at Wilburton at about 9.50am on Friday 25 October 2024.

The 19-year-old was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he died of his injuries two days later.

The driver, a 21-year-old from Cambridge, has been arrested.

Ben’s mother said it was a "statement no mother ever dreams of having to do":

"It truly breaks my heart and soul that following the tragic collision, my youngest baby boy, my rock, my everything, who was always by my side, devastatingly passed away at 12.50pm on Sunday 27 October, surrounded by his family as he took his final breath after his life support was withdrawn.

"I have no idea how to explain this pain and loss of my baby boy - the youngest of my four children. Not only have I lost my baby boy, but his two brothers and sister have also lost their little brother. Ben has also left behind his cherished and loved three-year-old son Luca.

"I’ve been blessed deeply with the support that my family and friends have given me plus that of the enormous support of Ben’s friends who spent every hour possible by his side during his time in hospital, visiting and saying their goodbyes, sharing memories and the amazing character of my Ben.

"Ben will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our family will never be the same without Ben. We will always love you."

The driver of the car, Levi Baxter, 21, of Cunningham Close in Cambridge, has been charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, drive whilst disqualified and use a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the collision is being urged to get in touch with Cambridgeshire Police.