Leo Painter's mum pays tribute to boy who died in A44 crash

Little Leo Painter died when the Ford Mondeo and a grey BMW 3 series were involved in a crash at 3.07pm on Thursday.

The female driver and a woman accompanying Leo were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Leo was rushed to Worcestershire Royal Hospital but died a short time later.

Leo’s devastated mum Gemma, 28, laid flowers at the scene of the crash which happened on the A44 in Spetchley.

WONDERFUL: Tributes have been paid to Leo Painter who died in A44 crash along with two women. (Image: SWNS)

Gemma said: “Leo was a wonderful little boy. He always had a smile on his face and was a bundle of fun. I’m heartbroken that I won’t see him again.”

Leo was in foster care but it was hoped he would return to live with Gemma full time by the end of the year.

Gemma added: “The last time I saw Leo was before Christmas. His birthday was on Christmas Eve so I gave him his presents.

“He loved PAW Patrol and I gave him a pair of pyjamas with his favourite characters on. He said he loved wearing ‘Mummy’s pyjamas’.

“Leo had been in foster care but the hope was that he would come and live me again full time by this December.

“I was really excited about getting my boy back home.”

TRIBUTES: The elephant at Abigail's Place has been covered with flowers, teddies and balloons. (Image: SWNS)

Gemma discovered the tragic news when she received a phone call last Thursday telling her to go to the hospital.

Leo had just come out of Abigail’s Place school, which is opposite Spetchley Park Gardens, when the crash happened.

Gemma added: “I’m so numb. I was really looking forward to him living with me again.

TRIBUTES: Leo Painter's mum Gemma looks at tributes left to her son and two women who died in the crash in Spetchley (Image: SWNS)

“The road has a 30mph limit but it’s known for people speeding. I don’t know who the men were but I was told they were in their 20s.”

The two men from the BMW 3 series were taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

One suffered life-threatening injuries, while the other had potentially life-threatening injuries.

West Mercia Police said despite efforts from paramedics both women, aged 39 and 26, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Chief Inspector Mark Davidson said: “This is an incredibly sad incident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the people who have sadly died.

“I urge anybody who witnessed the collision or may have dash-cam footage to contact the police as you may be able to help with our investigation into what happened.”