Shrine pays tribute to driver killed in tragedy
SCORES OF CARDS AND FLOWERS ARE LAID OUT AT SCENE OF ACCIDENT
THIS is the incredible shrine that has sprung up in memory of Kavana Taylor, the 21-year-old BMW driver killed in a Easter Sunday crash.
More than 150 bunches of flowers and countless cards and mementoes have been laid at the scene of the collision in Castleton, Rochdale.
Dozens of friends of the popular former Whitworth High School pupil held a vigil at the site, on Man- chester Road near Castleton railway station, lighting candles and releasing balloons.
Among the tributes is the trophy ‘Kav,’ as he was known to friends, won in the 1998 Rochdale Observer Baby of the Year contest.
A Shawclough FC football shirt with the message, ‘Had the joy to coach you as a kid and watch you grow into a man. Fly high Kav x,’ could also be seen alongside Easter eggs and several Hershey’s cookies and cream chocolate bars. Pals of ‘motorbike-mad’ Kavana, of Deeplish, Rochdale, have also laid motorbike helmets among the flowers underneath large helium balloons spelling out his name.
And a banner reading ‘RIP Kavana Fox Taylor 17.3.97 - 1.4.18’ has also been attached to nearby fencing.
Last night Kavana’s grieving mum Claire Taylor paid a touching tribute.
In a statement released through the police Claire, 39, said his death had ‘left a void that will never be filled.’ She added: “Kavana was everybody’s friend. The cards, messages and support have blown me away. He was my soulmate and sidekick and the best biggest brother to Sammy, Lola and Rudi. He has left a void that will never be filled.”
Kavana’s father Ian, 55, also paid tribute to his son.
He said: “He was the best loving son a father could ever wish for. He was my best mate. He will be always loved and sadly missed by everybody who knew him.” Kavana, who was driving a blue BMW 1 series, died after the car was in collision with a blue Volkswagen Polo in the early hours of Easter Sunday. He was treated at the scene but died from his injuries. A second man who was in the BMW, aged 25, received minor injuries and is assisting officers with the investigation, Greater Manchester Police said.
PC Seamus Toal, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, appealed to anyone with dash-camera footage to come forward. Call police on 0161 856 4741 or 101.