The relatives of two teens who died in an horrific car smash have today paid tribute describing them both as “loyal” to their loved ones.

Champion kickboxer Sam Cox, formerly known as Sam Passey, died along with Shane Toogood in the crash which happened in Stourport. The men, were both aged 19 and from the Dudley area.

They were travelling in a black VW Golf which overturned and somersaulted into the air while overtaking a red VW Golf, on Dunley Road, on Sunday.

Mr Cox was a landscape gardener at his father’s business, Waterside Fencing Ltd, while his friend had completed an apprenticeship at Birmingham Construction College, after which he worked as a roofer.

A joint statement released by the families said: “Sam was the oldest of four brothers. He was a second dan world champion kick boxer.

“He left school and completed a two-year college course in carpentry. He grew up with his nan and grandad until the age of 12 years when his nan died after a long illness. Sam was a loyal and protective lad, living his life to the max. His second family were his close friends who he called his Lodge Farm brothers.

“Shane was on a college course in Birmingham and had recently split up with his girlfriend. He leaves a sister, Tia, aged three.

“Shane, like Sam, was loyal and protective of all his family and friends and it gives the two families great comfort that they are together.”

Mr Toogood of Lodge Crescent, Netherton, a rear seat passenger, was dead on arrival at the Worcester Royal Hospital.

Mr Cox from Calewood Road, Quarry Bank, a front seat passenger, was taken to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he died a few hours later.