Teenager dies after car crash in Surrey, family pays tribute

An 18-year-old man, Rahulan Chelliah, has died from injuries sustained in a car crash in Surrey, England, last weekend. The collision happened at around 03:30 BST on Sunday on Church Lane in Headley, near Leatherhead, when a Fiat Punto hit a tree.

Chelliah was one of four 18-year-old passengers in the car. The other three passengers — two 18-year-old women and another 18-year-old man — remain in hospital in stable condition, Surrey Police said.

Driver arrested on suspicion of driving under influence

The 18-year-old man who was driving the car has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs, driving while over the legal limit, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The investigation is ongoing.

Family tribute

In a statement, Chelliah's family described him as a caring and protective brother, not only to his younger sister but also to his friends, who could always tell when someone was upset and never failed to cheer them up. They said he valued honesty, humility and patience, and grew into a fine and principled gentleman who was also a hard worker.

The family said Chelliah had "the world at his feet", with his dream university on the doorstep, and was a confident, charismatic young man whom people naturally gravitated towards. They said his life will always be cherished and honoured, adding that he never ran out of love to give and taught them that what makes life is the people in it.