A TEEN was tragically killed after a concrete pipe crushed his neck while working at a construction site, an inquest has heard.

Shay Blayden, 17, died from his injuries after the horrifying accident took place at Bellway Sniperley Park in Durham.

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His family said he ‘lit up every room’Credit: NNP
 

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Shay Blayden was tragically killed when a concrete pipe fell on his neck at a construction siteCredit: NNP
Emergency services were called to the scene, but Shay sadly passed away a day later, on 17 April.

The family has paid a heart-breaking tribute to the 17-year-old, from Witton Gilbert, saying he “lit up every room”.

Speaking at the inquest, his parents Lee and Samantha said he loved his job, the gym, boxing and was incredibly “hard working and determined for his age”.

“As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of the hard working, determined young man Shay turned out to be,” they said.

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Bellway’s DH1 site where the accident took placeCredit: NNP
 

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Shay was called a ‘loving’ and ‘genuine’ boy from Witton Gilbert in County DurhamCredit: NNP
“He also loved spending time with his long-term girlfriend Libby.

“Shay was the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet.”

They added that he was an amazing brother to his two siblings Elis and Edie, and a “genuine friend” to many.

“Our handsome brown-eyed boy – forever 17,” they said.

Crook Coroners Court was told yesterday that Shay died after a concrete cylinder fell on his neck while he was at work.

An initial cause of death was given as head and chest injuries after a post-mortem examination by Dr Jennifer Bolton at the RVI Mortuary.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the inquest for a further mention hearing on August 4.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation is currently ongoing, as well as a criminal investigation by Durham Police looking into site management, the inquest heard.

A fundraiser was set up for the Blayden family after Shay’s death.

While DH1 remains a Bellway development, the developer is not yet responsible for the site, with groundworks currently being undertaken by contractor the Esh Group.