TRIBUTES have been paid to an 11-year-old boy who died following a car crash last Wednesday evening.

Ethan Linwood, who lived on the outskirts of Thaxted with his parents Morag and Robert, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with head injuries when the car he was a front seat passenger in struck a tree on the B1051 between Great Sampford and Thaxted.

He remained in intensive care for five days but died on Monday (October 8).

The driver, a 19-year-old woman from the Thaxted area, was also taken to hospital with head injuries. She remains in hospital where today her condition was said to be stable.

In a family statement, Ethan’s parents said their son “loved life and he loved people” and that “everyone who knew him would miss him greatly”.

“Everyone who met Ethan was touched by his kindness and politeness. He loved playing golf and for six years had lessons every Saturday morning at Saffron Walden Golf Club - he’d hoped to join as a junior member this autumn.

“He also enjoyed football and played for Thaxted Rangers Football Club, he loved the social aspect nearly as much as the football side.

“Ethan and his sister adored each other. She was the big sister who was overly protective and advised him on his hair and clothes. He was the little brother who bribed with popcorn would curl up with her and watch Disney DVDs.

“Ethan recently started Year 7 at Saffron Walden County High School and loved it, making new friends and experiencing new things.”

County High headteacher John Hartley said pupils and staff were shocked and saddened by Ethan’s death.

“This is so sad. Ethan had settled in really well, quickly made new friends, and was clearly enjoying his new school,” he said.

“He loved telling jokes and being involved in all kinds of sport.

“Ethan will be hugely missed by all those who had the privilege to know him. Our thoughts at this time are with his family”.

The Year 7 pupil’s former headteacher at Great Sampford Primary School, Ian Pollard, described him as “a wonderful role model and everything that you would want a student to be”.

He said: “Ethan could always be relied upon to help others and never had an unkind word to say about those around him.

“He was a real trier who never gave up and who always gave of his best regardless of the task in hand.

“He was so enthusiastic when he was inspired by something and had many interests that extended beyond the confines of the school. He will always be remembered for his honest and open approach to life and for his fantastic sense of humour.”

Ethan’s friends have set up a Facebook page in his memory for people to leave tributes.

One post read: “Ethan you were my best mate since the first day of school. Why did this happen to you? You were loved by everyone. You were an inspiration and will never be forgotten by anyone ever. You’re always in our minds. Always thinking of you.”

An inquest into Ethan’s death is expected to be opened and adjourned by the Essex coroner in the coming days.

• Anyone with information about the crash should call police on 101 or e-mail collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk