Pictures of Ashley Williams taken from the Facebook tribute

A Shropshire teenager has died in hospital after slipping on ice while delivering Christmas cards.

The parents of 16-year-old Ashley Williams, of Calder Close, Shrewsbury, today paid tribute to their son, saying he was “a truly wonderful person”.

Ashley had been delivering cards to friends in Bewdley Avenue, Monkmoor, when he slipped at about 7.30pm on Sunday.

The Belvidere Secondary School pupil was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, but died in the early hours of Monday from head injuries.

His father Gary today said: “He will always be remembered by me for his lovely sense of humour.

“He was such an inspiration to us all, a kind and wonderful human being.

“He was out taking Christmas cards when he slipped and died a few hours later in hospital. He was truly a wonderful person.”

A Facebook group has been set up in his honour and joined by more than 725 people, many of whom have posted tributes.

Mr Williams said: “The Facebook site proves how well-loved he was. We miss him so much and he will never be forgotten.”

Friends paid tribute to Ashley by attending a special gathering at Shrewsbury Abbey on Tuesday morning, where they lit candles in his memory.

His mother Julie said she kept expecting her son to walk through the door.

“I sit here and can hear his voice,” she said. “I just expect him to walk through the door at any minute. It doesn’t seem real, it is like he hasn’t really gone.

“He was an amazing person who was loved by everyone who he met, just absolutely amazing.

“Everybody adored him and will miss him greatly I don’t know what I will do without him.”

Family friend Jamie Whelan posted on the Facebook group: “I have no words to express the sadness we are all feeling.

“Gary and Julie when you need us, we are here, all our love at this sad time.”

Another school friend, Chloe Pugh, wrote: “You will be missed by all.”

By Andrew Morris