Three people released without charge following van crash which killed Warton teenager

Ashley Donald was killed on June 26 when the Ford Transit van he was travelling in as a passenger crashed on Lodge Lane, at the junction with Carr Lane and Huck Lane, shortly after 1am.

He was found unresponsive at the scene and was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where he died.

The 21-year-old male driver, also from Warton, was not injured, and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and drink or drug driving.

A 36-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy suffered whiplash injuries, and a 31-year-old woman suffered a lower back injury in the crash. All three were taken to hospital, and were later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

A police spokesman said today :"Three people – the 36-year-old man, the 17-year-old boy and the 31-year-old woman – have been released with no further action.

"The 21-year-old man remains on bail until September 21."

READ: Driver bailed after 19-year-old passenger is killed in Warton van crash

Mr Donald, a former Carr Hill High School pupili, was a member of Warton Football Club.

His family said: "Ashley, not only a precious brother, son and friend, he was most importantly a priceless gift to us all.

"He was a kind, compassionate, loving soul as well as protective, caring, loyal and funny individual to each and everyone of us. Words can’t describe how cherished he was.

""His loss has not only affected those close to him, but has shook us all in very profound ways that words can’t describe.

""Ashley was just starting out in life and had a bright future. He was a keen and enthusiastic hard worker and was liked by everybody.

Ashley loved football from the age of three and excelled on the football pitch. He played for his school team and Warton Typhoons and then for Warton FC.

"The family would like to thank the local community for the support they have been given at this heart breaking time.

"We will never forget you Ashley and we hope you are in a better place now and at peace. Your family misses you very dearly as well as your friends. Ashley, gone but never forgotten."

On August 1, the club held a friendly match against BAE Warton to raise money for the North West Ambulance Service in his memory.

A club spokesman said: "Last month, we tragically lost our good friend and teammate Ash in a tragic accident. As a football club we have decided to honour Ash's memory by holding an annual friendly match in his memory.

"Ash's family will be there too, so this is another opportunity for us to pull together as a community, to not only show them our love and support, but to demonstrate just how much we all thought of Ash."

An inquest into Mr Donald's death will take place at Blackpool town hall on Tuesday, December 7, under coroner Alan Wilson.