Wolves defender's Danny Batth tribute to friend killed in Telford crash
Wolves defender Danny Batth dedicated his goal against Peterborough on Saturday to a school friend who died in a car accident in Telford, it was revealed today.
The 23-year-old defender headed the first goal in the 2-0 win, and as he celebrated he lifted his Wolves jersey to reveal a white T-shirt with the words "RIP Josh" written across it in recognition of his friend Josh Jones, who died in a car crash at Sutton Hill last month.
Batth, who was booked for lifting his shirt during the tribute, and Josh were friends during their school days at Thorns Community College growing up in Brierley Hill.
Josh, who was 22, died when the Vauxhall Astra he was travelling in left the road and landed on its side in an underpass on Sutton Way on the night of March 15.
He suffered serious head injuries in the car crash, which happened at about 9.30pm.
He was cut free from the wreckage by firefighters and was rushed to University Hospital of North Staffordshire, but died hours later.
The driver of the Astra, a 23-year-old man, managed to release himself from the car before police and firefighters arrived at the scene.
He was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital as a precaution to be treated for back pain. He was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Speaking after the game, Danny said: "The message was for a friend of mine Josh, who passed away recently after a car accident.
"I wanted to give him a good send-off and also for his family as well."
Batth also tweeted: "Sad loss to the people of the local area.
"Josh Jones a friend from school who won't be forgotten for being such a great guy. RIP."
An inquest on Mr Jones has been opened and adjourned to a later date.
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