Football fan dies after making the worst decision of his life

A ‘loving and kind’ football fan died in a horrific crash after ‘celebrating England’s Euros win’, his heartbroken mum has revealed.

Will Place, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene after the car he was driving was ploughed into a pub in Heywood and erupted into flames in the early hours of Monday morning (July 1).

Will, who had only recently graduated in sports journalism and had spent the evening celebrating England’s victory against Slovakia, died after his Dacia Sandero was smashed into the White Lion pub on York Street in Heywood at around 3:15am.

READ MORE “It’s like someone has taken my heart out of my body”: Girlfriend pays tribute to ‘kind and loving’ man, 23, killed in horror pub crash

The crash, that occurred after police officers in a patrol car had attempted to stop the vehicle on nearby Bolton Road moments before, then sparked a huge blaze, with fire crews racing to the incident.

His mum Beverley Place, a councillor in Heywood and a former mayor of Rochdale, has since issued a tribute to her son saying he made ‘the worst decision of his life’ and ‘paid the ultimate price’ after he celebrated England’s win against Slovakia on Sunday (June 30).

Greater Manchester Police said officers engaged in a ‘short pursuit’ with Will’s Dacia Sandero onto Rochdale Road East, which was stopped a short time later. Moments after, Will’s car then crashed into the pub and exploded into flames. GMP said the incident had been referred to the IOPC in-line with normal procedure.

In a statement, Ms Place said: “Will was adored by all that knew him. He was a special person, with a heart of gold, who lit up every room with his infectious smile and personality.

“He was passionate about football and in the early hours of Monday morning, after celebrating the England team’s win, Will acted completely out of character and made the worst decision of his life and tragically paid the ultimate price.

“We are all left utterly bereft and heartbroken. We are grateful for the outpouring of grief, love and support we have received from his innumerable friends.”

Will, who graduated with a BA Honours degree in multimedia sports journalism in January and was also a budding farmer, also wrote match reports at Ramsbottom United and worked at Roch Valley radio.

Paying tribute to the M.E.N, his girlfriend Megan Wild said: “I feel like someone has taken my heart out of my body. We have spent everyday together for nearly eight years and now there’s nothing.

“He was the kindest, most loving person, even when he was having a bad day. He will do anything to help anyone. Nothing can replace him in this world and now I’m just left empty.”

After Mr Place’s death, his mother Beverley Place posted a picture of her late son on her public Facebook page overnight, with scores of friends also paying tribute.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: “Following a referral from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision on York Street in Heywood.

“We were notified by the force that a car had collided into the White Lion pub at 3.15am this morning after reportedly failing to stop for police officers minutes before the incident. Sadly, the male driver of the vehicle died at the scene.