Mother pays tribute to son after fatal crash

A mother has paid tribute to her “baby boy” who died following a collision in Wilburton.

Ben Bland (pictured), 19, of Scotland Road, Cambridge, was a passenger in a black Skoda Fabia VRS travelling in West End, when it left the road and crashed into a tree at about 9.50am on Friday, 25 October.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where he died of his injuries two days later.

Ben’s mother said it was a “statement no mother ever dreams of having to do”.

She said: “It truly breaks my heart and soul that following the tragic collision, my youngest baby boy, my rock, my everything, who was always by my side, devastatingly passed away at 12.50pm on Sunday, 27 October, surrounded by his family as he took his final breath after his life support was withdrawn.

“I have no idea how to explain this pain and loss of my baby boy - the youngest of my four children. Not only have I lost my baby boy, but his two brothers and sister have also lost their little brother. Ben has also left behind his cherished and loved three-year-old son Luca.

“I’ve been blessed deeply with the support that my family and friends have given me plus that of the enormous support of Ben’s friends who spent every hour possible by his side during his time in hospital, visiting and saying their goodbyes, sharing memories and the amazing character of my Ben.

“Ben will be missed by everyone that knew him. Our family will never be the same without Ben. We will always love you.”

The driver of the car, Levi Baxter, 21, of Cunningham Close, Cambridge, has been charged with causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, drive whilst disqualified and use a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was remanded in custody following his first court appearance and is due to appear at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 November.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the collision, or the moments before or after should contact Cambridgeshire Constabulary through their website using reference Op Ancaster. Anyone without internet access should call 101 quoting the same reference.