‘Gone but never forgotten’ – mourners pay tribute to Southsea teenager Junior Singh

Family, friends and former teachers gathered at Junior’s local gurdwara for the Darshan ceremony to pay their final farewells to the much loved 17-year-old who had only passed his driving test a week before the fatal crash.

Best friend, Aaron Boon, 16, said: ‘Junior was not just my best friend, he was my brother. He had a heart of gold and would always put everyone before himself. He will never be forgotten.’

Teddie Day, 17, added: ‘He was the most well respected person I knew. He was always there to back you up – even if you were in the wrong.’

Although Junior had recently moved with his family to Southampton he was passionate about the city in which he had grown up. He was driving to Southampton to visit friends and family on the day the tragedy struck.

Cousin, Vik Landa, said: ‘He was a loving and caring person who was so passionate about the city of Portsmouth and Pompey Football Club. He had so much respect for his elders and a lot of love to give to everyone.’

Great Uncle, Amreek Singh, added: ‘I have never seen such a turnout for a funeral – we estimate there were around 1,500 people here today. This just shows how much Junior was loved.’

For uncle, Sac Singh, he will best remember Junior for his positive outlook and caring nature.

‘The last message he ever sent me said ‘live life and do whatever makes you happy’. He lived his life by the mantra, one love,’ he said.

With his coffin draped in the blue and white of his beloved Pompey, Junior made his final journey to Southampton Crematorium for his committal. Junior’s popularity was epitomised by the hundreds of people congregated in the entrance and car park as the service was broadcast by loudspeaker to mourners who were unable to find space in the main crematorium.

With images of Junior projected above his coffin, family and friends spoke of impromptu football matches in the street, going on adventurous bike rides and ‘playing on X-box until 4am’.

A former pupil at Priory School, his headteacher, Stewart Vaughan, joined family and friends in paying a moving tribute to Junior.

Mr Vaughan said: ‘We remember Junior as a young man of enormous generosity and spirit. School at times was too small for Junior - his dreams were so great. He may be gone but it is up to us to make sure he is not forgotten. The Priory community will make sure he is not.’

Teddie added: ‘We had so many dreams of things we were going to do and I’m now determined to do them for both of us. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten.’