Hayling Island crash tributes to 'kind soul' after 20-year-old dies hitting tree

It comes as bunches of flowers and signed rugby balls have been placed in the road where Cameron Knouwds, 20, died on Saturday morning.

Tributes have flooded in for the passionate rugby fan, who moved to Britain from his native South Africa at just six months old.

He was pronounced dead after the black Mazda 2 he was driving crashed into a tree in West Lane, Hayling Island, just south of Daw Lane at around 7.26am.

Today the former Havant Rugby Football Club Academy player’s family revealed he was just about to start a new adventure, moving to live in accommodation in Somerset to continue his third year at college studying electrical installation.

In a tribute issued through Hampshire police, his family said: ‘Cam was dearly loved by his family and friends, highly regarded and respected by peers, tutors and people that crossed his path.

‘He will be missed for his deadpan humour and no-nonsense approach to life, a kind soul who loved animals and with never a bad word for anyone.’

They added: ‘A passionate rugby fan, Cam took his Springbok spirit into flying fearlessly down the wing for Havant Rugby Football club. He was well known and highly regarded at the club, playing as a junior from 2015 then later at the Havant Academy during 2017/18.

‘Cam loved to visit his family abroad, often journeying to the Netherlands to visit his grandparents, and returned to South Africa a few years ago to meet some of his extended relations for the first time.’

He was a pupil at Horndean Infant and Junior Schools before going onto Horndean Technology College.

His friends paid tribute among the flowers and rugby balls left in West Lane, saying he was a ‘lovely young man’.

One note said: ‘So sorry that you had to leave us in this way.

‘Keep shining you kind soul.’

Signed by two women the note added: ‘Your girls, we love you.’

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Two rugby balls signed by friends have been left at two trees in West Lane, with a Batman comic left at the scene.

One ball had ‘love you’ and ‘rest easy’ written on it.

A tribute with a bunch of flowers added: ‘Dear Cam, wish this didn't happen to such a lovely young man.

‘Wish we could go back in time to make it not happen.

‘So much love to you.’

Rob Matthews, director of rugby at Havant RFC, said: ‘The club are very saddened at Cameron’s tragic death on Saturday and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

‘Cameron was a very well-liked and talented rugby player, that came through our junior ranks, finishing with our Academy at end of the 17/18 Season.

‘He was particularly fast, and quick footed. That marked him out as a player with great potential and was often seen scoring tries for Havant. He will be very missed.’

His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Roads policing officers are investigating the crash. Call 101 quoting 44200393189 with any information.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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