TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died on a Herefordshire road last Thursday.

Eighteen-year-old Kieran Powell, from Tillington, was a front seat passenger in a car which crashed on the Tillington Road, near the A4103 Roman Road, just after 3am. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kieran’s family has since described him as a “larger than life” character who was very loving of others.

“He was always laughing and joking and you would never find him without a smile on his face,” said his family in a statement.

“He was an extremely happy boy and we only have good memories of him. He was always very loving towards his family and friends and we will miss him very much.” The former St Mary’s High School pupil, who had split his time between his parents, living latterly with his dad at Tillington, was a keen sportsman and played football at under-18 level for both Hinton and Wellington, as well as in the Sunday League for Pencombe. A passionate Manchester United supporter, his family said he would have been particularly pleased with the weekend’s football results.

Kieran also played for Hereford Rugby Club’s under-14s side and was a keen lover of the outdoors, particularly enjoying walks around Tillington.

Since last week, many floral tributes have been placed at the scene of the accident.

Kieran’s family say they have been moved by the messages of support they have received from his friends at school and Hereford Sixth Form College, where he had also been a student for a short period.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, but many of his friends have been involved with the preparations, helping to choose music and photographs, as well as putting together a special ‘memory box’.

Donations at the funeral will also reflect Kieran’s love of sport, with contributions taken for Hereford’s Phoenix Football Club.