Kentish Express Ashford & District
Tributes to Owain, 21, after death in car crash
Talented footballer praised as fun-loving uncle and devoted boyfriend
The former manager of talented footballer Owain Boughtwood, who died in a car crash at the weekend, has paid a glowing tribute to him.
The 21-year-old – described as a sweet, loyal and decent man by his devastated family – was driving along Sandwich Road in Nonington, between Canterbury and Dover, in the early hours of Friday when his VW Polo hit a tree.
Former Ashford United youth team manager Andy Found said Owain’s death had “shocked me to the core”.
He added: “Rarely have I met a young man with so many good qualities.”
Police appealing for witnesses to the collision, which occurred at 12.38am on Friday, June 24.
Owain, who had played football for Ashford United as a teenager and then Canterbury City, was taken to King’s College Hospital, London, but later died of his injuries.
In a statement, his family said: “Owain was a much loved son and the youngest of six children.
“He was part of a large, loving family and the fun-loving uncle to nine nephews and nieces. Owain also found love in recent years as a devoted boyfriend to his girlfriend and sweetheart.
“He had recently returned home from Santa Clara Univer- sity, California, where he was two years through his four-year undergraduate studies.
“Prior to university, Owain attended Chaucer School, Canterbury, before moving on to Barton Court Grammar School, Canterbury, to study A-levels.
“Owain was a skilled footballer with an awesome left foot and change of pace. From a young age he played for Folkestone Invicta and Ashford Youth, as well as representing Kent.
“He was a talented cricketer and all-round sportsman. He loved music and was an accomplished musician, teaching himself to play guitar and drums.
“All those who had the good fortune to know Owain, recognised how much of a sweet, loyal and decent man he was.
“He will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.”
Investigating officer PC Mick Sayer from the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “A dark grey VW Polo was travelling along the Sandwich Road from Nonington towards Chillenden when it left the road and was in collision with a tree.
“We would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or from anyone who saw the VW Polo beforehand.
“They should phone the dedicated SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting 24-043 or SCIU/ DB/MD/123/16. Alternatively email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police. uk”