Luke Lambourne, 19, had been critically ill in a coma since his car hit a fence in Nepcote Lane, Findon, on Friday, January 4.

He had not been wearing a seatbelt and was thrown through the windscreen, suffering severe head injuries, a collapsed lung and a broken collar bone.

His family had been told there was little hope he would ever wake up as he had severe brain damage.

But just as they were preparing to turn off the life-support machines keeping him alive, Luke died naturally on the evening of Wednesday, January 9.

His mother Denise, 42, of Old Cottages, Findon, said: "It was terrible, but we were grateful we didn't actually have to turn off the machines.

"That would have been so hard, so it was a blessing, really.

"He would have suffered if he had been kept alive, and he wouldn't have had a quality of life, so it was for the best."

Luke had 11 brothers and sisters, many of whom were by his side, along with Denise and Luke's father Murray, when he died.

Hours before his death, several of his friends travelled to Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre in Haywards Heath, where he was being treated, to say goodbye.

Among them was Josh Costello, who was a passenger in Luke's Peugeot 206 when it crashed but only suffered minor injuries.

Luke's grandmother, Gladys Lambourne, 79, of The Oval, Findon, said: "It has been terribly upsetting for everyone. You don't expect to lose one of your grandchildren before yourself.

"You have got to look at it as this is the best thing for Luke and not be selfish.

"It would not have been a life for him like that, he would have hated it.

"Luke was a lovely grandson, very special and very loving.

"He was outgoing and had a passion for the outdoors. I'm just trying to take the view that he is at peace now."

Luke attended St John the Baptist Primary School in School Hill, Findon, and also The Angmering School in Station Road, Angmering.

For the past two years, he had worked for Kate's Cakes in Ashington, where he was described as a lively member of staff.

Denise said: "Luke was such a lovely person. He was kind, a great brother and always knew how to make you laugh.

"He had a lot of friends and one of his real passions was fishing, which he spent a lot of time doing.

"We're still in shock and will all miss him so much."

Luke's funeral is being held on Wednesday, January 23 at St John the Baptist Church in Findon, at 12.30pm. All are welcome.

Did you know Luke?

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