Everyone at Crawley Town was saddened to hear of the passing of Will Hallett, and his grandfather Barry Hearnshaw in the accident at Barns Green level crossing on February 17.
Will, who was 15, was a member of the Community Foundation’s academy.
His father Bill said: “Will was a loving son, brother and grandson. He was a very popular and loved boy who was intelligent and extremely active.
“A talented, determined, powerful, solid and dedicated team player who played for Horsham Sparrows Under-16s and supported Chelsea and Crawley Town.
“A keen runner, who represented Sussex in the Air Cadet National championships (2016) and who regularly ran the Horsham 5km Park Run.
“We are utterly devastated by this tragic loss that has robbed us of our gorgeous, lovable and cheeky son.
“We all have many fantastic memories which we will hold onto dearly. His loss has left an immense hole in our world, which can never be filled.”
Speaking on behalf of the club, Community Foundation, Schools Co-ordinator and Coach Marcus Doyle said: “We at the Community Foundation were saddened to learn of the passing of Will Hallett.
“Will was an immensely likeable member of our Development squad for a couple of years, and in addition to his obvious talent and love for Chelsea, he will be remembered as a player who was a delight to coach and a credit to his ever-present grandfather.
“He will be missed by us all, and our condolences go out to his family.”
Members of Will’s family will be with us on Wednesday as guests of the club and we will be remembering Will with a minute’s applause before the game.
