The organs of a teenager who died following a police chase in Bridgwater have been donated, saving 'many lives' in the process, according to his college.

Cane Parr, 17, was the front seat passenger in a car pursued by police when it crashed into a tree on Spaxton Road on Thursday (May 30).

He was rushed to Southmead hospital in Bristol with a life-threatening head injury, but died the next day.

An independent investigation has been launched into how he died and the police activity leading up to the crash that killed him.

Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to the teenager, with many describing him as someone who was "fun loving" who will be "sorely missed".

The family of Cane Parr has issued this picture, along with a short statement
The family of Cane Parr has issued this picture, along with a short statement

Some friends have been widely sharing a Facebook post about how the donation of the teenager's organs has apparently saved eight lives.

Robert Blake Science College, the college where Cane studied, said its students and staff were "proud that he has saved so many lives through organ donation."

The college said: "Cane was a delightful, fun loving, bubbly student without malice.

"He will be sorely missed by so many. Our thoughts are with his closest friends and family.

"We are proud that he has saved so many lives through organ donation.

"RIP Cane."

One friend took to Facebook to share how Cane's organs found eight recipients shortly after his death.

He has encouraged anyone who knew the 17-year-old to add the post to their story on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram in tribute to him.

The status reads: "If you know Cane or if you didn't, please screenshot this and post it on your story.

"One thing you may not have known about Cane was he has always wanted to be an organ donor, ever since I can remember.

"The only good thing to come from this terrible event is Cane had donated his organs and have saved eight peoples' lives.

"May his soul live on in these eight fortunate people."

A social media tribute has encouraged anyone who knew Cane to add it to their story on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram in tribute to him.
A social media tribute has encouraged anyone who knew Cane to add it to their story on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram in tribute to him.

Cane's family issued a moving statement following his death, in which Cane was remembered as a "beloved son".

It said: "Heartbroken seems such a small word but that's how we as a family are feeling.

"On Friday, May 31, we lost our beloved son, Cane.

"Please respect our privacy at this very difficult time. Thank you."

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the way the police handled the chase.

The incident occurred on Spaxton Road, Bridgwater
The incident occurred on Spaxton Road, Bridgwater

An IOPC spokesman said: "We have begun an investigation into the actions of Avon and Somerset Police prior to a collision in Bridgwater on Thursday (30 May).

"Initial information suggests a car, which failed to stop for police, collided with a tree in Spaxton Road shortly after 5pm.

"After being notified by Avon and Somerset Constabulary, we sent investigators to the scene and to the post incident procedures.

"Our enquiries are continuing.

"The 17-year-old passenger of the car sustained life-threatening injuries, and both he and the driver, whose injuries were less serious, were taken to hospital.

"Sadly, Cane Parr, the 17 year-old passenger has since died in hospital."

Did you know Cane? Would you like to share a tribute to him? Do you have a Bridgwater, Taunton or West Somerset story to share?

Get in touch: michael.taylor@reachplc.com, tweet @JournoMikeT or call 01935 709742.      

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