A COMMUNITY is in mourning after a teenage cyclist was killed in a late night crash.
The 16-year-old boy, who has not been named, passed away at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Wednesday after the collision on the B4449 at around 9.35pm on Tuesday.
He was a Year 12 student at The Henry Box Sixth Form, Witney, which sent pupils home on Wednesday after learning the news.
An area of the town’s St Mary’s Church, also on Church Green, Witney, has been set up for students to light candles and lay tributes to the boy.
The school is set to release an official statement today, but yesterday thanked Oxfordshire County Council and the Reverend Toby Wright for their support over the past 48 hours.
The boy is believed to be from Eynsham and left the village’s secondary school, Bartholomew School, in July.
Tributes poured in on social media as residents began to come to terms with the tragedy, with some Facebook posts suggesting he had been a keen rugby player.
One commenter, Heather Atkinson, said: “I remember him at club rugby tours and playing with my son Charlie.
“We live nearby and are feeling this terrible pain.
“Sending love and thoughts to his dear family and friends.”
Ian Atkinson added: “Such a vibrant fun character and gifted rugby player. RIP my friend.”
The boy was cycling on Stanton Harcourt Road, believed to be in the direction of Stanton Harcourt, when the fatal crash occurred.
The car involved was a blue Hyundai Kona, and the driver stopped at the incident.
Police shut part of the road and the boy was given treatment at the scene.
He was subsequently taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital by ambulance, where he died the next day. His next of kin have been informed.
Police are now appealing for witnesses and investigating officer PC Linzi Turner, based on the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Bicester, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision in which sadly a teenager died.
“If anyone saw either the bicycle or the Hyundai Kona travelling in the area at the time of the collision or just before, we would like to hear from you.
“If you have any information which could assist out investigation please come forward and speak to our officers.”
Anyone with any information about the collision is asked to contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference number 1378 20/11.
Alternatively, you can report it via the online form.
In June 2014, Henry Box pupil Liberty Baker, 14, was killed by a dangerous driver while walking to school with friends.
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