Please just let our Mitch's memory rest in peace

The family of 19-year-old Mitch Treliving told The Argus they were appalled by unfounded allegations he is to blame for the accident which claimed eight lives.

They also revealed plans to hold an annual picnic on fields by the crash site near Pyecombe for the bereaved families to remember their loved ones.

Mitch, who lived with mother Linda in Faygate, near Horsham, was driving a friend's BMW which left the southbound carriageway and collided with a Land Rover Freelander heading north on May 16.

Mitch died alongside his passengers, girlfriend Gemma Smoker, 17, his best friend Aaron Sharpe, 20, Aaron's sister Katherine, 18, and 17-year-old Danielle Billingham.

Three people in the Land Rover died: Kate Beasley, 30, her husband Toby, 33, and two-year-old Marcus Mohabir.

Mitch's family have been too upset to speak publicly about the accident before now.

But his uncle, Clive Treliving, from Furnace Green, near Crawley, today told The Argus: "We are all still struggling to come to terms with what's happened and this sick rumour now is only making things worse.

"I've heard people suggest he was on the phone while driving, that he was chasing someone or someone was chasing him or he was racing.

"But there are more rumours than known facts about this case at the moment.

"Let's wait until the police have finished investigating and the truth is known.

"People have been phoning me up and asking me whether this or that rumour is true.

"I tell them, 'If you believe that then take my phone number off your phone right now because I don't want to talk to you any more'.

"Mitch was not the type of guy to take risks, especially if his family or friends were involved.

"He asked to borrow my car a year ago and when I said the tax had expired ten days before he refused to take it."

Mitch's father Kevin, a 50-year-old carpenter, has moved out of his Crawley home and is being comforted by his parents.

He had been preparing for Mitch to move in with him but now cannot bear to return home.

Mitch was close to both his parents, who separated three years ago. He was the third of five brothers.

Clive said: "Mitch was always very loyal to his family and friends. You would struggle to find anyone with a bad word to say of him.

"He was bubbly with a great sense of humour but was very mature."

Mitch left Holy Trinity School in Crawley at the age of 16 and made double glazing units at a Copthorne factory before joining a stone masonry firm a year ago.

He was a popular member of a marine cadet group based at TS Cossack in Crawley and also a talented horse rider.

The families of the victims sent each other messages of support through their police liaison officers.

Gloria Marshall, mother of Aaron and Katherine, last week told The Argus she did not blame Mitch.

When the families visited the scene of the crash a day after the tragedy, Clive came up with the idea of an annual picnic near the scene.

He said: "As a kid, Mitch always loved picnics and he always loved wildlife. It might be a good way to remember him and the other victims.

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. We're all going through the same thing.

"Kevin and Linda are taking it worse but I think the whole town of Crawley has been affected. These were all popular youngsters.

"The messages of support we've had have been unending."

Each night a vigil for Mitch has been held by the children of Clive and his wife Cindy - Leanne, 11, Chelsea, nine, Sian, three, and 18-month-old Jack.

Clive said: "Even though she's only three Sian has felt the impact of this and picked up that something is wrong. She said to Kevin the other night that Mitch was in the sky with the fairies.

"Now every night when it starts getting darker the children look out for the first star and make a wish on it for Mitch and blow him a kiss."

Mitch's funeral will be held at Crawley crematorium on Friday.

The family invited anyone who knew him to join a wake at the Holmbush pub in Faygate from 7pm.