Family pays tribute to 'ray of sunshine' Chris Gower

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a former South Bromsgrove High School student who died after being involved in a collision with a van at around 5.15am on Saturday (November 3) on the A448 Bromsgrove Highway.

Chris Gower, who grew up in Bromsgrove, was taken to the Queeen Elizabeth Hospital's Major Trauma Unit, but died shortly after.

His family said Chris, who also went to NEW College and cleaned drives for a living, brought joy and sunshine to the lives of everyone he knew.

He leaves behind his parents Dave and Maggie, who are both retired West Mercia Police officers, his older sister Louise and girlfriend Abbie Clews, 22.

Mr Gower, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "Chris was a very outgoing, joyful individual who brought a lot of sunshine and joy to everyone's lives.

"He was a cheeky chappie who doted on his five-year-old niece Lilly. He loved rap music, and was a budding rapper.

"He was very popular, and had more than 500 friends on his Facebook page, and had met virtually all of them.

"Everyone loved Chris and he loved everyone."

The family took the decision to donate Chris' heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas for organ transplant.

"It comforts us to know that his organs will help others.

"It is something to hang on to," added Mr Gower.

A Facebook tribute page - RIP Chris Gower - has been set up in his memory.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call West Mercia Police's force operations support team on 101.

An inquest into his death has been opened today (Tuesday) and been adjourned awaiting reports.

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