Family pay tribute to their first-born following a fatal road collision

The family of a young driver who was killed in a road collision on the westbound carriageway of the A45 have paid tribute to their “cheeky chap who had his own unique take on life”.

Cody Stock, aged 22, died at the scene of the collision between Ditchford Lane, Rushden and Turnells Mill Lane, Wellingborough, which occurred at about 9.25pm on Friday, December 5.

His family have issued a poignant tribute to their first-born along with a photograph of Cody via Northamptonshire Police.

Cody’s mum Hayley said: “He was our first-born child and the one whom made us parents and holding him in my arms for the first time taught me what love really was. Cody gave me the courage and strength to become the person I am today.”

On behalf the family, Hayley continued: “Cody was a hero to his little brother, much-adored by his sisters and a great friend to so many. He was a cheeky chap with a dry sense of humour with his own unique take on life.

“Cody was always up for a laugh with silly little practical jokes and witty comments and would team up with his siblings to get one over on me and his dad (Adam), such as lowering a bucket from his bedroom window so he could hoist up sweets without anyone knowing!

“As a son we were always so proud of his ability to overcome adversity and shine, many times against the odds. He was such a genuinely caring person who would always ensure everyone else was happy and that they knew they mattered and were important.

“Cody will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. He would always be willing to help anyone who needed it and frequently put others before himself. He was just an amazing, kind, funny and inspirational person.

“Everyone just wanted to be around him. He had the ability to cheer others up when needed and never failed to put a smile on their faces. He lived for his family and friends, who loved him so-much.

“Cody was known for his unique dress sense and loved anything to do with cowboys and films, especially horrors and westerns. He also liked his music and animals. He would often greet our dog Teddy before his human family when he got home!

“He had so much to look forward to. His dream was to be an assistant director in the film industry and was studying Creative Film, Television and Digital Media Production at the University of Northampton.”

Travelling with Cody on the night of the collision was one of his best friends, who was seriously injured in the collision.

Hayley added: “As a family we are devastated that another young man was seriously injured in the collision, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as we pray that he makes a full recovery.”

Investigations into the collision continue and detectives would still like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed it, or who may have relevant dash-cam footage and are yet to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or alternatively call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Please quote incident number 25000712412 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.