TRIBUTES are pouring in for a popular and “funny” teenager killed as he walked along a bypass in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Hundreds of messages have been posted on Facebook for 18-year-old Sam Gunstone, described by many of his friends as “a proper legend”. And his mother, Nadine Hayward, said online: “I have lost my darling son, my world has come crashing down around my feet. I love you my darling and I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.”

Sam, who lived in Poole, was walking towards Canford Bottom on the A31 at 5am on Saturday when he was in collision with a Smart car, driven by a 58-year-old man from Weymouth.

The teenager died at the scene and the driver of the car was seriously injured and is now being treated in Poole Hospital.

An inquest into Sam Gunstone’s death is likely to be opened in Bournemouth today.

Messages on Facebook include one from his girlfriend, Sarah Gordon, who said: “You were the best boyfriend and the best friend I ever had – I could tell you anything. You definitely brought a smile to everyone you met.”

And sister Corrie-Lee Gunstone said: “I still don’t believe it. You should still be here carrying on your crazy lifestyle and making everyone smile – I love you, you nutter.”

Friends spoke of nights out with Sam in Wimborne and Laura Flower said: “Was always a good night when you were there and the folk festival will never be the same again.”

Laura Jayne Barclay added: “You were, and always will be, an absolute legend, such a genuine, loving, fun, crazy person.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw Sam walking along the A31, near the Holt turn-off between the Canford Bottom and police station roundabouts or who witnessed the accident. They can be contacted on 01202 222222.

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