Tributes have been paid to a ‘gentle’ and ‘deeply caring’ teenager who was killed after being hit by a car in Darlaston.
Florentine Chinanga-Chou suffered serious injuries after being struck by a Vauxhall Corsa on Midland Road on Friday morning (27 November).
The 19-year-old cyclist from Darlaston was sadly confirmed dead at the scene.
In a statement his family said: “Florentine was such a gentle and soft spoken young man who often spoke of his plans for his future, a future which has been stolen in the cruelest of manner.
“He was hardworking and deeply caring not only towards his family but to all who came in contact with him. He loved listening to music and playing with his siblings.
“We cannot even begin to comprehend how he was literally ripped from our family while we slept. We will love and miss him deeply, with every passing moment. He has left a lasting impression in our hearts and lives.”
The family have asked for their privacy to be respected while they grieve.
Five people were arrested as part of our enquiries into the collision and an earlier burglary where a police car was rammed – understood to involve the same vehicle – at Boots in Dudley Street, Wolverhampton.
Christopher Talbot has been charged with burglary and appeared before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court via a virtual hearing this morning. The 36-year-old from Bridgnorth was remanded in custody for a next appearance on Friday (4 December).
A 39-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of burglary and death by dangerous driving has been released on bail while enquiries continue. As have a 33-year-old woman and 21-year-old man who were arrested on suspicion of burglary.
A 21-year-old woman detained on suspicion of burglary and death by dangerous driving has been released with no further action.