Tribute after men killed in crash

Shane Toogood and Sam Cox were described as loyal and protective

The families of two 19-year-old Black Country men who were killed in a car crash have paid tribute to them.

Shane Toogood of Netherton and Sam Cox (formerly known as Sam Passey), from Quarry Bank, were passengers in a car which overturned on Sunday afternoon.

A statement said the men were both "loyal and protective" of their family and friends.

Mr Toogood died at the crash scene on the Dunley Road, near Stourport, Worcs. Mr Cox died in hospital hours later.

The men were in a black Volkswagen Golf which left the road and overturned as it was overtaking a red Golf.

Two other men were injured in the crash.

An 18-year-old man from Brierley Hill, who was driving the red Golf, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail.

'Great comfort'

A joint statement released by the families said that Sam, a landscape gardener who worked for his father's firm, had been the oldest of four brothers.

"He was a second dan world champion kick boxer along with his brothers. Sam has always been very sporty, travelling the globe for his chosen sport," it said.

"He left school and completed a two-year college course in carpentry. He was the best at everything he did."

It added that Shane was on a college course in Birmingham.

"Shane, like Sam, was loyal and protective of all his family and friends, and it gives the two families great comfort that they are together," the statement said.

The road was closed for five hours following the crash and police would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision or either vehicle beforehand.