The family of a Brighton University student who died in a New Year’s Day crash have paid tribute to him.
Michael Male, 19, seriously injured his head while walking home from a New Year’s Eve celebration with friends crashed near his Croydon home.
He was found by a neighbour and rushed to hospital, but sadly died two days later.
His parents Stephen Male and Joanne Veal, who are divorced, believe he fell over and hit his head in a “freak accident”.
He was found by a neighbour who was returning home from a party, lying on the floor on the corner of Sherwood Road and Lower Addiscombe Road.
Mrs Veal, 42, told the Croydon Guardian: “I have no bad memories of my son, he was a good kid, he never caused me a moment of trouble. He was not just my son, he was also my friend.”
Mr Male said: “Saying goodbye was the hardest thing because I told him I would never leave him.
”Mick grabbed hold of life with both hands, he gave everything 100 per cent. I couldn’t be prouder of my son.”
Police are treating the death as unexplained and are urging witnesses to come forward and help them with their investigations.
