College pays tribute to 'lovely young' teenager Mathew Patterson

A college has paid tribute to student Mathew Patterson who lost his life at the weekend.
Flowers left at the scene.Flowers left at the scene.
Flowers left at the scene.

The 16-year-old, was struck by a car on Standbridge Lane at Sandal on Saturday afternoon.

After being taken to hospital, he sadly died from his injuries hours later.

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The youngster had only recently started studying at New College, Pontefract, and was a promising rugby player, having turned out for Sandal Rugby Union Football Club.

Youngsters leave flowers in memory of Mathew.Youngsters leave flowers in memory of Mathew.
Youngsters leave flowers in memory of Mathew.

Bouquets of flowers have been left on railings at the side of the road close to The Star pub.

Principal at New College Pontefract, Vicky Marks, said: “Talk to anyone in college who knew him, and the answer is always the same - Mathew was an exceptional young man, kind, hard-working, generous with his time and an exceptional team player, both on and off the pitch. He joined New College Pontefract in September 2020 and was from the start a popular student, and a well-liked and respected peer.

“Mathew threw himself into his studies, but also found the time to involve himself in World Challenge and would have been joining his friends on a trip to Borneo and Malaysia next summer.

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“Some students have already begun to express their thoughts and have shared some lovely words, conveying what a loving and caring person he was; how anyone could see that he wanted to help people and make them smile; and how he was the nicest and most genuine person they had met at college.

“This was a young man with a huge amount of potential who made an incredible impact during the relatively short time he spent with us.”

Mathew’s teachers described him as “polite and respectful”, who enjoyed his lessons and despite only starting his A-level studies in September, had become a ‘model student’.

He had recently achieved a top grade in his further maths test.

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One said: “Mathew was an exceptional student, both practically and academically. He was a true model student.”

Another commented: “Mathew was a great student to have in physics. He was hardworking, curious, kind and generous in the help he gave to other students.

“His homework was always submitted two or three days before deadline.”

Police are seeking witnesses to the collision which happened at around 5.50pm on Saturday and involved a silver Chevrolet Matiz.

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The Major Collision Enquiry Team are investigating the collision and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed it, or who may have footage which could assist their investigation.

They can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 or via the West Yorkshire Police website.

The incident reference number is 13200621557.