Teenage crash victim 'brought joy', says mother

Will Ray was one of two teenagers killed in a crash caused by Natasha Allarakhia who was jailed on Monday

A 17-year-old boy who died alongside another teenager when a speeding driver smashed into the back of their car brought "joy, love and hope", his mother has said.

Natasha Allarakhia, 36, was driving her Audi Q2 on the A17 at North Rauceby, Lincolnshire, on 20 June last year when she failed to spot a Ford Fiesta had stopped at temporary traffic lights.

The driver of the Fiesta, William Ray, 17, and passenger, Eddie Shore,18, died. A second passenger, Jack Prince, 17, suffered life-changing injuries.

Allarakhia had sipped alcohol while behind the wheel, it emerged. She was jailed for 10 years on Monday after admitting causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury.

Natasha Allarakhia, 36, of Turner Crescent, Norwich, was speeding at 96mph (154km/h) just before the crash

In a statement, William Ray's mother Sarah Barker said: "My life changed forever when my beautiful son Will was taken from us.

"Will was not just my only son, he was also a best friend and I love him dearly.

"Throughout his life he brought me joy, love and hope in everything he did. But not only that, he was a fantastic stepson, grandson and brother."

Woman sipped booze at wheel before killing teens

Ms Barker said her son was "both academic and athletic".

He trained at Lincoln Gymnastic Club and was a member of Sleaford Rugby Club, she said.

"With these interests, his friends from Carre's Grammar School and elsewhere, he embraced an active life, of which I was proud to be a part," she said.

"Will, with his friends, formed a tight group who supported and relished each other's company, being there to support each other in those difficult times, becoming known as The Bulldogs."

William was due to attend the University of Sheffield to study aerospace engineering, said Ms Barker.

'Conscientious and compassionate'

His mother said: "I will never get to see Will graduate, get married or make his future life.

"Will was such a caring, conscientious and compassionate person who cared so much for others."

William's father, Steven Ray, added: "Will was the best of us... I genuinely believe that I never heard a bad word said against him."

Data taken from the two vehicles showed Allarakhia did not take her foot off the accelerator until just two seconds before the crash and was only 121ft (37m) away from the Fiesta when her brakes were briefly applied.

Prosecutors said during part of the journey she was drinking from a can of alcohol.

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