THE family of car crash victim Max Lewis have thanked his friends for their overwhelming support since the tragedy.

Max, 19, from Baldham, Seend, died after the red Citroen Saxo in which he was a passenger collided with a white Renault Master van in Forest Lane, Melksham, shortly before 3pm on Saturday, November 15.

Dan Palmer, one of Max’s best friends and driver of the Saxo, was this week discharged from hospital after being airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with serious injuries.

Since the accident Max’s friends have laid flowers and mementoes in a shrine to him and held a candlelit vigil.

In a statement on Friday his parents, Nicky Lewis and Brian Atkinson, who are separated, and older brother Dan Lewis said: “Max’s family would like to thank all his friends for their very kind love and support since he was killed last Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately we are not yet able to set a date for Max’s funeral, but as soon as we can we will let everyone know.

“The vigil, flowers and tributes for Max at the crash site over the last few days has been amazing. We are so touched, it has been overwhelming. Our hearts are broken but it is lovely to know that he had so many friends and was so loved by you all.”

The outpouring of support for Max, a former student at Wiltshire College’s Chippenham campus, continued this Saturday when up to 70 of his friends met to sign pictures and cards at the Wetherspoons pub in Melksham to give to Max’s family. They then made their way to Forest Lane to light candles and lanterns and let off fireworks.

Max’s friends have also been collecting for a plaque to go on a bench in his dad’s garden and have plans to make T-shirts, wristbands and car stickers in remembrance.

Money is also being raised for Bath Cats and Dogs Home and a children’s charity chosen by Max’s mum and brother.

Childhood friend Joey Amphlett, 19, has known Max since he was six years old and is part of a group who are going to wear pink polka dot dressing gowns to his funeral, as it was Max’s signature look.

Joey said the huge number of tributes to Max is testament to his popularity.

He said: “We are doing it just because we feel we can’t do enough, but we aren’t trying, it’s just happened. He has so many friends, and groups of people are just doing their bit. It’s not planned, it’s just how it’s turned out.

“We can’t do enough, we are here to support his family. We are always going to be seeing his dad and be a part of the families’ lives even though Max isn’t here and we will do the things he wanted to do.”

Two men, aged 18 and 25, who voluntarily went to Melksham Police Station last Thursday, have been arrested and bailed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.