MP launches campaign for traffic calming measures after teenage pedestrian's death on Laughton Common Road in Thurcroft

The MP said 14-year-old Josh Maslanyk’s death on January 26 was an “avoidable tragedy” and called on Rotherham Council to introduce safety measures on Laughton Common Road in Thurcroft.

A relative of Josh’s said in a social media tribute that his death had left “an irreparable void”.

Mr Stafford, who has launched an online petition, said: “I know that the whole of Rother Valley was rocked by the news that Josh tragically lost his life on Laughton Common Road.

“Any avoidable death is a tragedy.

“The impact of his death on his family and peers has been significant, and as a father myself, I simply cannot imagine the agony of his family during this awful time.

“Josh’s tragic death has highlighted a serious problem with our roads in Rother Valley, and it is something that has been mentioned repeatedly before, by both me and councillors at borough and parish level.

“This particular stretch of road has always been a cause for concern, and there are many others local to us that lack the required street lighting, footpaths and speeding restrictions to keep residents safe.”

Josh died after a collision between two cars on Laughton Common Road in Thurcroft.

A Justgiving page was set up by one of Josh’s friends, which has raised over £1,750 so far, to support his family and give him the “goodbye he deserves”.

Friends organised a vigil and released balloons on Laughton Field on February 4.

The family member said in a social media tribute that he was shocked and, devastated by the tragedy, writing: “The hole he’s left has not just affected us, but also his friends, teachers and anyone that had the pleasure of knowing just how funny, polite, caring and loving he was.”

The relative said the emptiness and devastation would “eventually fade and be filled with... precious memories, love and joy” and pledged to “spend the rest of our lives remembering and honouring” Josh.

Josh’s funeral will take place today at Rotherham Crematorium.

Rotherham Council was contacted for a comment but did not respond prior to our deadline.

You can find the fundraiser to support Josh’s family here: https://tinyurl.com/Josh-Maslanyk and Mr Stafford’s petition is at https://tinyurl.com/Laughton-Common-Petition