THE family of popular Malvern teenager Josh Reid have paid tribute to him after an inquest revealed his death was accidental.

Joshua Reid died after the quad bike he was riding lost control at about 6.50pm on Friday, July 12 in Graham Road, Malvern.

Mr Reid sustained a serious head injury and although members of the public, including a retired police officer, attempted to resuscitate him prior to the arrival of the emergency services, he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Today, the Deputy Coroner for Worcestershire, Mrs Marguerite Elcock, returned a verdict at Stourport Coroner’s Court that Joshua died as the result of an accident.

Following the inquest, his mother, Lisa Reid, asked West Mercia Police to release the following tribute on her family’s behalf: “Josh will be remembered as a wonderful son, brother, nephew and friend to many.

“We are all so very proud and honoured to have had him in our lives. There aren’t enough words in the English dictionary to describe the love and affection that we have towards Josh and this tribute is just a mere attempt to try and express our feelings about our boy.

“Josh was born to live life to the fullest: he loved life, especially his music, the louder the better. Even I, his mother, have been listening to Vybz Kartel, which was one if his favourites. Josh would be laughing.

“Josh was known to his friends as Henchy because he was so well built. He always looked after himself and his appearance was always immaculate. Josh had a huge personality and had so much more to offer this world.

“Josh always treated people with the respect and dignity they deserved. This respect was repaid back to him through his friends and many of the people that he had touched throughout the 18 years that he had blessed us with.

“His friends held a candlelit vigil at Victoria Park in his memory and more than 200 people attended. However, this was not the only way they paid their respects: many of his friends spent endless hours on Graham Road where the accident happened, many tears were shed and stories where told of the happy times that they had shared with Josh.

“He had many flowers left there from family, friends and people who didn’t even know him. This showed tremendous community spirit and unity amongst the younger and elder generations. Well over 200 people came to Josh’s funeral, which showed us how loved and cherished he was.

“We love and miss Josh so very much. He was taken to soon and will never be forgotten.

“We will be forever grateful to all the emergency services and those at the scene of the incident who tried so desperately to save our gorgeous boy.

“Also we would like to thank everyone that has helped after Josh had gone. West Mercia Police’s coroner’s officer David Bird has been wonderful. I couldn’t thank the mortuary and hospital staff enough for their help and understanding of our loss.

“Josh’s friends have been absolutely amazing throughout and have been a credit to the youth that can so often be misunderstood. The list is endless: thank you all.”