THE devastated family of a teenager killed in a road smash say his death will leave ‘a void in their lives’.

Flowers mark the spot on the A548 Sealand Road, by the entrance to Dandy’s Top Soil, where talented young athlete Danny Evans, 18, died when the black Renault Clio he was a passenger in overturned at about 9.20pm on Monday.

The three other males in the car, one with serious injuries, were taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Danny’s mum Debbie, 43, of Normanby Drive, Connah’s Quay, said: “It’s just a total loss and a void in our lives.

“He was the kind of lad that when he walked into a room he lit it up.

“He was extremely handsome and one of the kindest lads you could ever meet.”

The former Connah’s Quay High School student had been ranked number one at high jumping in Wales when he was 16 and was on a sports scholarship scheme at Deeside College.

Sue Sayer, chairwoman of Deeside Athletics Club, where Danny had been a member, said the news had left everyone at the club in shock.

She said: “Danny had been off for about a year after a knee operation, but when I spoke to him before Christmas he said he was going to make a comeback.

“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family. It’s a tragedy.

“He was a really nice, genuine, caring lad who was extremely talented.

“He had a lot of potential and will be remembered well by everyone who knew him.”

Danny, who leaves 16-year-old sister Sophie and 20-year-old brother Lee, had been planning to become a PE teacher after doing work experience at The Alun School, Mold, and Argoed High School last summer.

His dad Mike said: “That made us very proud but we were always very proud of him anyway.”

He added: “He was a lad who could turn his hand to any sport. But he was also dedicated to his studies and wouldn’t let his work pile up.”

David Jones, principal of Deeside College, where Danny had been studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Sports Studies, said: “Everyone involved at Deeside College was devastated to hear about Danny.

“He was an outstanding athlete. He joined Deeside College as one of our elite sports scholarship students in 2007, following his remarkable achievements as a high jumper, starting at Connah's Quay High School and at a Welsh national level.

“He made good progress at Deeside College, and was due to complete his National Diploma in Sports Studies this year.

“He had a great life ahead of him, and this has tragically been taken away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult and sad time.”

Headteacher of Connah’s Quay High School, Greg Dixon, said: “We are deeply shocked at this tragic news. Daniel was a very popular student with many friends in Connah’s Quay High School.

“He was a superb athlete, competing nationally in his chosen event of high jump with great success.”

Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to contact them on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line).