Floral tributes have been left for 18-year-old Kurtis Stubbings, who died following a crash in South Tyneside. He was riding an electric motorbike that collided with another vehicle on Ellison Street in Jarrow shortly after 5:30 am on Monday. He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with life-threatening injuries and passed away on Wednesday night.
Organ Donation Decision
His mother, Charlotte Wilson, 36, made the decision to donate his organs to save the lives of others. She described Kurtis as a "good bairn" who was always there for her.
Community Tributes
Fireworks were set off on Thursday evening in Kurtis's memory, heard across Tyneside. A large number of floral tributes and green balloons have been placed at the scene on Ellison Street. One tribute reads: "Rest in paradise Kurtis fly high forever 18." Another says: "Such heartbreaking news. God only takes the best! Rest easy boyo."
Kate Osborne, MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East, paid tribute on social media, saying: "My thoughts are with all of Kurtis' family and friends today after the heartbreaking news of his passing. I'm thinking of all his loved ones and friends who will be grieving this devastating loss. Sending them strength, love and solidarity at this incredibly difficult time."
Fundraising Effort
Family friend Ashlie McShane, 36, set up a Go Fund Me page to support Charlotte, who works as a carer and is also mother to Dylan, 16. Over £11,000 has been donated in two days. Ashlie said: "It's very overwhelming. The community has really pulled together to help give her the support that she needs and deserves. She's very grateful. She's overwhelmed herself."
Ashlie added: "Charlotte would do anything for anybody. She's worked hard all her life to give her kids the best lives. She works back-to-back. She's a nice lass and Kurtis is a good bairn. He was always there for his mam. They have been side by side since she had him. They were more like best friends, they had a really good bond."
The funds will go towards funeral costs and living expenses, as it is uncertain when Charlotte can return to work after the tragic loss.
