THE family of Bailey Chadwick, who was killed in a suspected hit-and-run, have made a heartbreaking appeal to the driver to hand themself in.
The 19-year-old was, North , when he was fatally injured on the B6265 in the early hours of Sunday.
Bailey had earlier been working at the Royal Oak pub before spending time with friends.
He had been due to go travelling to this week and the police officer in charge of the said the teenager had “a lifetime of adventures ahead of him”.
The young lad’s parents have since made a desperate appeal to the driver to come forward and turn themself in as it’s the “least they can do”.
Speaking close to the scene of , Dayle Knights, Bailey’s mum, said through tears “no words can express how absolutely devastated we are.”
“Bailey was just a normal, happy, outgoing 19-year-old, who had his whole life ahead of him,” she added.
The‘s heartbroken stepdad, Daniel Horler, made an emotional plea to the driver to “do the right thing” and speak to the police.
He said: “He should be living his best life seeing a new country, exploring new people, but instead he was left alone to die.
“Bailey was torn away from us at such a young age. The fact that someone knows he was driving that night is heartbreaking for all of us.
“Please, if it’s you, do the right thing and speak to the police.
“Please, if you have any information which will help trace the person responsible, please help.
“If you’ve any empathy within you whatsoever, it’s the least you could do.”
are currently working to establish the vehicle involved and who was.
Detective Inspector Jill Cowling, of North Yorkshire Police, said the driver may not be aware there was a collision but urged anyone with information to come forward.
She said: “Now is the time to come forward.
“The grief endured by Bailey’s family is further compounded by the fact that the driver has not yet come forward.
“I am now appealing directly to the driver of the vehicle to do the right thing for Bailey and his family and contact us immediately.
“Bailey had everything to look forward to in his life.
“He was a well-loved, popular young man with a lifetime of adventures ahead of him.
“Now this is all gone.”
She added: “My thoughts at this time are with Bailey’s family and friends as they face the overwhelming grief caused by the loss of their beloved Bailey.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to ensure that they are supported by our specialist family liaison officers.
“I am also aware of how much this terrible incident has understandably shocked residents in the close local communities around Pateley Bridge and the surrounding villages at this distressing time - the many messages of love and kind words about Bailey are hugely appreciated and welcomed by his family.”
The Royal Oak pub where Bailey worked also paid tribute to the most “loveable” and “caring” lad.
In a post online staff said: “The most loveable, caring, trustworthy, happy, smiley, beautiful young man we have ever had the honour of working with. A true gentlemen and friend.”
Flowers and tributes have been left close to where he was struck, including a Wednesday flag and scarf - the team he followed.
One card said: “Light up the sky, you gorgeous, gorgeous boy. Love you always.”
Another said: “A lovely funny lad. So sad.”
The detective said detailed investigations are under way, including using CCTV footage, and there are a number of lines of inquiry.
She said: “As the driver, this is your opportunity to come to us before we come to you.
“If you know who was driving the vehicle which fatally injured Bailey, then please do the right thing and contact us now.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has already come forward with information.
“I urge anyone who can help with the investigation into this tragic incident to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101. You can also contact CrimeStoppers anonymously.”
