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Former Walsall College student killed in motorcycle crash

A young student from the Black Country has been killed in a head-on motorcycle collision in France.

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The devastated parents of Louis Harvey have paid tribute to their popular son and said that he loved life.

The 20-year-old of Willenhall died when his Yamaha Fazer motorbike collided with an HGV on a ring road on the outskirts of Paris on August 1.

He had just finished his first year studying motorsport engineering at the University of Derby and had intended to spend a month in France over the summer with his university friend Henry Rogerson.

The pair had planned to stay with Mr Rogerson's father and had travelled by Eurostar into Calais the day before the fatal crash.

An inquest on Mr Harvey was opened last Friday at Smethwick Coroner's Court and revealed that the two friends had both been wearing leathers and crash helmets as they rode through the Sainte-Maure Circulation Route.

Former Walsall College student Mr Harvey, of Elm Street, Willenhall, overtook another vehicle and crashed.

The inquest was told that he was confirmed dead at the scene and had to be identified by his tattoos.

His parents were told of the tragedy by police during a doorstep visit in the early hours of August 2. They today spoke of their shock and paid tribute to the former Pool Hayes Arts and Community School pupil, who dreamed of becoming a Formula One mechanic.

Mr Harvey's mother Julie said he had been excited about his trip to Europe.

The 42-year-old said: "He loved his bikes. If there was a bike convention anywhere, he went."

Mr Harvey's 44-year-old father Warren, who works as a painter and decorator, added: "He started off with a scooter when he was 16, then he passed his test and moved up to the bigger bike.

"He loved going out on his bike with his friends.

"He was well respected and well known.

"He loved his course and he loved life.

"He would help people with their university work.

"That's the type of person that he was.

"He was outgoing, popular, independent and confident.

"We are just distraught and shocked.

"Friends and family have been absolutely fantastic.

"The support has been overwhelming."

Mr Harvey was born at Walsall Manor Hospital and grew up in Willenhall, attending Elm Street Infants before going on to Albion Road Junior Schools.

He also had two brothers Ashley, aged 24, and Reece, 15.

His funeral service will take place at Bushbury Crematorium in Wolverhampton on August 30.

A service will be held beforehand at St Giles Church, Willenhall, at 10.30am.

Coroner Robin Balmain adjourned Mr Harvey's inquest on Friday to give the French authorities time to compile a report.

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