Tributes paid to ‘fun and cheeky’ Rotherham United fan Henry Evans

Motorcyclist Henry Evans (18) died after a crash with a lorry in the Wincobank area on Friday morning.

Floral tributes have been placed near the scene of his death and a shrine of empty bottles, balloons and dozens of graffiti tributes carries the legend “Henry’s World”.

Henry was a diehard Rotherham United fan and the shrine is covered with Rotherham United shirts and scarves.

Tributes were paid during the Millers’ game at Watford on Saturday, with both sets of supporters taking part in a minute’s applause after 18 minutes.

And on Sunday, friends set off fireworks and let off balloons to commemorate Henry’s memory.

The teenager’s brother, Clive Evans, said: “Henry was a cheeky lad who had a heart of gold.

“He loved his friends and family more than anything and they meant the world to him.

“Henry had a lust for life, lived without fear, sought out fun at every opportunity and you could rely on him to light up a room.

“If Henry was in your company, you’d be guaranteed to laugh.

“He loved his football club Rotherham United with a passion, something we passed onto him.

“And he loved his girlfriend, Alysia Vernon, and was supportive of everything she did. They had big plans for their future.”

Clive said Henry had loved animals and would be missed by his dog Smudge and his cat Ronnie.

He said his message to Henry would be: “Our hearts are breaking but we will do everything we can to make sure you’re remembered as the fun, fearless cheeky young man that you were.

“Rest in paradise, Henry.

“I will always love you.”

Alysia added: “I lost my whole entire world, Henry was the love of my life.

“Henry was the most happy, generous, loving boy that’s ever walked into my life.

“I am so grateful to have had these few years with you even though you should still be here.

“You were everything to me and I was everything to you.

“I’m so glad we had all the memories we did together.

“You will forever be missed and loved by not only me but everyone.”

Winterhill School, in Kimberworth, paid tribute to their ex-student, Henry, and said he would be “missed by so many”.

A fundraiser has already amassed over £4,000 to help Mr Evans’ family pay for funeral costs and to give him the “send off he deserves”.

You can support Henry’s family by donating to their fundraiser at https://tinyurl.com/Henry-Evans-fundraiser.

A 19-year-old lorry driver was arrested at the scene of the crash — at the junction of Ecclesfield Road, Barrow Road and Fife Street — on suspicion of being “unfit through drink or drugs”.