Crawley: Tyler Wills' family overwhelmed by support ahead of funeral

More than £17,000 was raised by 1,100 people through a GoFundMe set up by the family’s friends.

Tyler’s stepfather Pete Fraser said they want to “make it the best send off" they can at his funeral in Crawley at midday on Monday.

Tyler Wills, 12, of Arnfield Close, Crawley, died after being hit by a car in Crawley Avenue, also in the town, on November 25.

Tributes at the scene for Tyler (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Pete, 35, said: “We’re leaving from our house. He has a bespoke coffin printed up in football colours, Manchester United and Brighton, the two teams he loved.

“We don’t know how many people are going from the school, we believe loads of people will be coming but we don’t know exactly.

 “We’re trying to make it the best send off we can for him, to have all his friends there would be great.

“We were completely overwhelmed, we couldn’t believe it. We didn’t expect much from the fundraiser. The whole family were just overwhelmed. It’s restored some faith in humanity for a few of us.”

Concerns were raised over a flooded underpass near where Tyler was hit which has since been drained by West Sussex County Council.

Tyler’s family and people in Crawley say the underpass is known to regularly flood in the winter.

Tyler’s father Craig Wills has started a petition for improvements to the underpass to make sure it does not flood again.

The underpass near the crash scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

There are also calls for a crossing and speed camera to be put in on the road above.

Hundreds of people have paid their respect with flowers, candles and teddy bears for the Ifield Community College pupil near the crash scene.

Tributes from the family read: “The first thing we remember is your gorgeous smile, your kind heart and how caring you were towards everyone.

"The memories you’ve left us will stay with us for ever.”