Parents’ heartfelt tribute to teenager who died after being injured on building site

The proud parents of a teenager who died after being injured on a building site have described him as “the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet”.

Construction worker Shay Bladen suffered serious injuries when he was struck by a concrete pipe while working on a housing development at Sniperley, near Durham City on Thursday.

The 17-year-old, from Witton Gilbert, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle but, sadly, died on Friday night.

Today, his heartbroken parents Lee and Samantha issued a poignant tribute to their son.

In a statement released through Durham Constabulary, they said: “Shay was the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet, he lit up every room making everyone smile even on the worst days.

“He was a genuine friend to many and the most amazing, caring, big brother to Ellis and Edie.

“Shay loved to go boxing and go to the gym, he loved work and his job and just constantly being on the go.

“Shay also loved spending time with his long-term girlfriend Libby.

“As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of the hard working, determined young man Shay turned out to be.

“We love you and seeing how highly everyone speaks about you just shows the type of person you were.

“Our handsome brown eyed boy - Forever 17”.

A joint investigation between Durham Constabulary and the Health and Safety Executive is underway and Shay’s family and being supported by specially-trained police officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Crowe, who is leading the investigation, said: “This has been a truly tragic incident and I would like to offer Shay’s family and friends the sincere condolences of everyone at Durham Constabulary.

“We have passed details of this incident on to the Health and Safety Executive.”