The grieving family of a 19-year-old man killed in a suspected hit-and-run have made a heartbreaking appeal to the driver to surrender, saying "it's the least you could do". Bailey Chadwick was walking home after a night at work and seeing friends when he was fatally struck on a North Yorkshire road in the early hours of Sunday.
The teenager had been due to travel to Thailand this week, with police saying he had "a lifetime of adventures ahead of him". He was hit by a vehicle on the B6265 near Glasshouses between 1.44am and 3.10am as he made his way home from Pateley Bridge.
Family's emotional plea
Speaking close to the collision scene, Bailey's mother Dayle Knights said through tears: "No words can express how absolutely devastated we are. Bailey was just a normal, happy, outgoing 19-year-old, who had his whole life ahead of him."
His stepfather Daniel Horler added: "He should be living his best life seeing a new country, exploring new people, but instead he was left alone to die. Bailey was torn away from us at such a young age."
Driver urged to come forward
The family made a direct appeal to the person responsible. "The fact that someone knows he was driving that night is heartbreaking for all of us," Horler said. "Please, if it's you, do the right thing and speak to the police."
He continued: "Please, if you have any information which will help trace the person responsible, please help. If you've any empathy within you whatsoever, it's the least you could do."
Police investigation continues
Detective Inspector Jill Cowling of North Yorkshire Police said the driver may not be aware there was a collision. "Now is the time to come forward," she said. "The grief endured by Bailey's family is further compounded by the fact that the driver has not yet come forward."
She appealed directly to the driver: "I am now appealing directly to the driver of the vehicle to do the right thing for Bailey and his family and contact us immediately. Bailey had everything to look forward to in his life."
Community shows support
The Royal Oak pub where Bailey worked paid tribute on social media, calling him "the most loveable, caring, trustworthy, happy, smiley, beautiful young man we have ever had the honour of working with". They described him as "a true gentlemen and friend".
Flowers and tributes have been left near the collision site, including a Sheffield Wednesday flag and scarf for the football team he supported. One card read: "Light up the sky, you gorgeous, gorgeous boy. Love you always."
Investigation ongoing
Cowling said detailed investigations are under way, including examining CCTV footage, with several lines of inquiry being pursued. "As the driver, this is your opportunity to come to us before we come to you," she warned.
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously. The detective expressed gratitude to those who have already come forward with information about the tragic incident.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
