A GRIEVING family have paid a heartbreaking tribute to their “beautiful” son who tragically lost his life in a fatal car crash.
William Ray, 17, died when a woman in an Audi smashed into his Ford Fiesta.
The teenager, who had been stopped at temporary traffic lights, was killed in the horror crash along with his mate Eddie Shore, 18.
Mum-of-two Natasha Allarakhia was driving her two young daughters when she crashed into William’s Ford in North Rauceby, Lincolnshire.
Allarakhia, 36, from Norwich — was sentenced to ten years in prison earlier this week.
The court was told she was sipping alcohol while at the wheel and had been driving at 90mph before the crash.
She also lied to the police to try to escape justice for her actions, the court heard.
William’s heartbroken mum, Sarah Barker, has now paid a touching tribute to her boy, who “brought love to everything he did”.
She said: “Will was not just my only son, he was also my best friend, and I love him dearly.
“Throughout his life, he brought me joy, love and hope in everything he did.
“But not only that, he was a fantastic stepson, grandson and brother.”
Sarah told how William had a bright future ahead of him – and was about to embark on an aerospace engineering course at university.
She added: “Will’s life was only just starting and he was looking forward to beginning the next chapter of it.
“He excelled both academically and athletically – he had a talent for gymnastics with Lincoln Gymnastic Club and was also an enthusiastic rugby player at Sleaford Rugby Club.
“He had planned to enroll at the University of Sheffield to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering, having successfully passed his A-levels, although he never witnessed the fruition of this ambition.
“As a mother, I will never get to see Will graduate, get married or make his future life. ”
William’s father, Steven, also honored his son: “Will had been celebrating with his friends upon finishing their A-level exams and was on his way home when he was tragically taken from us.
“He had been looking forward to a future of university, travel, relationships, all of which I know would have been filled with success.
“Will represented the very best – as a son, brother, grandson, and friend. As a sportsman, scholar, and boyfriend – I truly believe I never heard anyone speak ill of him.”
“We now all have to learn what a new normal will be for us without Will. He will never be forgotten.”
Lincoln Crown Court heard that Allarakhia was banned from driving in January because she failed to provide information regarding two speeding offences occurring weeks before and after the fatal accident.
At the time of the incident, she was “literally drinking and driving,” speeding with her seven and 12-year-old daughters in the back, while drinking from a can of lager.
She reached speeds of 96mph before crashing into William’s stationary car at 70mph.
The mum then laughed while taking a roadside breathalyser test and spent more than an hour lying to police.
Data taken from the two cars showed Allarakhia did not take her foot off the accelerator until just two seconds before the collision.
It also revealed she was just 121ft away from the Fiesta when her brakes were briefly applied.
Prosecutor David Eager said William in comparison had shown “exemplary” driving before the crash in June last year.
Allarakhia admitted two charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
She was also banned from driving for a total of 12 years and 8 months and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again.
Allarakhia wept and cried out “I’m so sorry” as William and Eddie’s families read heartbreaking victim impact statements.
