A DEVASTATED mother said she would never get over the death of her son, who was killed in a crash on the A140 three weeks after his 21st birthday.James Smy, from Debenham, died in the accident that also killed pub manageress Kirsty Cracknell, 24, at 3am on Sunday.

A DEVASTATED mother said she would never get over the death of her son, who was killed in a crash on the A140 three weeks after his 21st birthday.

James Smy, from Debenham, died in the accident that also killed pub manageress Kirsty Cracknell, 24, at 3am on Sunday.

The Vauxhall Tigra they were travelling in collided with a Volkswagen near Brockford Grange.

James's mother Yvonne Read paid tribute to her son, who had celebrated his 21st birthday on October 9.

“Words can not express how we are all feeling at this very sad time, and all our lives will never be the same again as part of us had died with him,” she said.

“We will never get over losing James and he will remain in our hearts forever. He was liked by all that knew him and will be missed by so many.

“He was a member of a very close-knit family whose lives have been completely devastated by his loss.”

James, who went to Wetheringsett Primary School and Debenham High School, ran his own business buying and repairing cars and was also a motorbike enthusiast.

His former headteacher at Debenham, Mike Crawshaw, said James was a lively, popular and interesting character.

“Staff are deeply shocked and upset. He will be greatly missed. This is so sad,” he said.

Family and friends of Ms Cracknell gathered on Sunday night at the Bucks Head pub, in Thwaite, and stood for a minute's silence in honour of her.

Ms Cracknell, who lived in a bungalow in Roman Way, Stoke Ash, had been working at Bucks Head for the pub's new tenants who took over two months ago.

Nick Badhan, 2, of The Street, Rickinghall, had known Ms Cracknell for about a year. They used to see each other two or three times a week.

He said: “Kirsty will forever be in my thoughts. As a friend I loved her deeply. I am lucky to have met such a good-hearted person.

“She had great ambitions for her life and dreamed of continuing her travels around Australia.

“I miss her very much. She was a very popular young woman, who cared deeply for her friends and family.

“Kirsty was very sociable. She liked doing stuff with her friends and family, going out and generally having fun.

“I am very shocked and extremely sad to see such a brilliant young woman die so young. I will miss her deeply.”

Police officers are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward. Witnesses should contact Pc Dave Taylor at Suffolk Constabulary's headquarters on 01473 613500.