The family of a teenage footballer from Hereford, who died after being struck by a car while training for a charity run have issued a statement thanking his friends for their support.
Relatives of Marcus Powell said they had taken comfort from hundreds of messages posted on Facebook paying tribute to the 16-year-old, who played youth football for Cheltenham Town.
Marcus, from Clehonger, near Hereford, died on Monday at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after suffering serious head injuries while running along the B4349 in Herefordshire on Sunday.
In a statement issued by West Mercia Police, the youngster's family described him as a bright, vibrant and confident lad who had an answer for everything.
The statement continued: "We didn't realise just how many friends he had and not just in Herefordshire and Cheltenham but as far away as Birmingham and Gloucester.
"There have been more than 700 messages left on his Facebook page and it is comforting to know so many people thought so highly of Marcus. We'd like to thank everyone for their kind words.
"Marcus was extremely happy: his last Facebook status was 'My life can't get any better'. He had a girlfriend he adored and some very strong, loyal friends.
"Marcus also loved rugby, hockey and athletics, and was training to do a charity run for St Michael's Hospice when he was involved in the collision."
The family statement concluded: "We would like to thank everyone from the emergency services and the staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, who all fought so hard to save Marcus.
"He's gone but we'll never forget him. He was deeply cherished and will be sadly missed."
