The best friend of a teenager who died in a car crash has spoken out about the loss of “a legend.”

“I can’t believe I’m never going to see my best mate again,” said Ollie Willis, long-time friend of Ethan Goddard, who along with Daniel Hancock and Elliot Pullen, died in a car crash in Marcham, near Abingdon, in the early hours of June 20.

Mr Willis continued: “I’m lost for words. It hasn’t hit me properly yet. I don’t think it will. I’ve known Ethan since primary school.

READ MORE: Abingdon college pays tribute to pupils killed in horror crash

“He was a very bright lad, with a very bright future ahead of him. He was kind-hearted and got along with anyone and everyone. A legend.”

More than a hundred people showed up to a memorial car meet on Sunday evening, pouring from souped-up racers and motorbikes into Fairacres Retail Park in Abingdon, to pay respects to the crash victims.

Mr Willis went on to say that he and Ethan have been friends since primary school, and often visited car festivals together.

Another friend of Ethan’s from Abingdon, Charlie Stowell, 17, said: “I think Ethan would have wanted us to live our lives the same way he did. To the full.

“It’s opened my eyes now, and in the blink of an eye, you could be gone. So it’s taught me not to spend life chasing a big house or fancy car, but just to make the most of the little things.”

Ted Stimpson, a third friend of Ethan’s, added: “He was a very passionate guy. Great to be around. I’m upset, but I’m managing my thoughts.”

All three of Ethan’s friends spoke about their shared passion for cars, bikes and scooters, with Mr Stowell adding that they used to walk to school together.

The gathering was set up by Oxfordshire Car Meets, a group of motor enthusiasts who arrange get togethers for drivers all over the county.

Founder of the group Lewis Phillips, 17, said: “I wanted to pay my respects to the families. So I set up this event as a space for people to do that.

“It’s great the amount of people who have turned up. Our meets are usually smaller. It’s nice to know the car community can come together to pay their respects.”

Shirley Trinder, head admin of Oxfordshire Car Meets, added: “I’m gobsmacked at the turn out. It’s great to see the amount of people we have here now.”

The evening was a vehicle for mixed emotions, with clusters of people sharing memories, laughing and poking fun at one another, and others visibly saddened.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1