A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the death of 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick in a suspected hit-and-run collision in North Yorkshire. The arrest comes four days after the teenager was fatally struck whilst walking home from work in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Bailey Chadwick was killed on the B6265 at Lupton Bank, between Pateley Bridge and Glasshouses, sometime between 1.44am and 3.10am on 20 July. The popular teenager had finished his shift at the Royal Oak pub in Pateley Bridge before spending time with friends in the town.
North Yorkshire Police made the arrest late on Thursday night, with the suspect currently in police custody for questioning. A force spokesperson urged the public “not to speculate on social media to avoid prejudicing any potential future court proceedings.
Family’s Heartbreak and Public Appeal
The arrest follows an emotional public appeal made by Bailey’s devastated family at the scene of the collision on Wednesday. His mother, Dayle Knights, struggled to express her grief, saying: “No words can express how absolutely devastated we are. Bailey was just a normal, happy, outgoing 19-year-old, who had his whole life ahead of him.”
Bailey’s stepfather, Daniel Horler, made a direct plea to the driver during the roadside appeal. He should be living his best life seeing a new country, exploring new people, but instead he was left alone to die,” he said.
“Bailey was torn away from us at such a young age. The fact that someone knows he was driving that night is heartbreaking for all of us.”
Thailand Travel Plans Cut Tragically Short
Detective Inspector Jill Cowling, who is leading the investigation, revealed that Bailey had been due to travel to Thailand this week. “He was a well-loved, popular young man with a lifetime of adventures ahead of him. Now this is all gone,” she said.
The teenager’s family shared touching details about his interests and passions. Bailey was such an amazing person who loved spending time with his family and friends,” they said in a statement released through North Yorkshire Police.
“Bailey was into music and was learning to play the guitar. Going to horse racing with his friends was also one of his favourite things to do, but it was football that he really loved – he was a huge Sheffield Wednesday supporter.
Community Mourns ‘True Gentleman’
The Royal Oak pub, where Bailey worked, paid an emotional tribute on social media. They described him as “the most loveable, caring, trustworthy, happy, smiley, beautiful young man we have ever had the honour of working with. A true gentleman and friend.”
The pub’s statement continued: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time and I would ask everyone to bear with us a little bit as there is a rather large hole to fill both personally and professionally for each and every one of our team.”
Flowers, tributes and a Sheffield Wednesday flag have been left at the scene near Glasshouses. One card read: “Light up the sky, you gorgeous, gorgeous boy. Love you always.” Another simply stated: “A lovely funny lad.”
Ongoing Investigation Appeals
Despite the arrest, police continue to appeal for witnesses and information about the fatal collision. The Major Collision Investigation Team is particularly interested in dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage from vehicles travelling through the area between 1.44am and 3.10am on Sunday morning.
Detective Inspector Cowling emphasised the importance of the investigation: “My thoughts at this time are with Bailey’s family and friends as they face the overwhelming grief caused by the loss of their beloved Bailey.”
“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has already come forward with information. I urge anyone who can help with the investigation into this tragic incident to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101.
Support for Grieving Family
Bailey’s sister, Daniella, has established a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. She wrote: “Bailey was devastatingly taken early hours of Sunday morning, after being hit by a car walking home from his job at the Royal Oak. We have unfortunately been rushed to make this, but any donations are appreciated.”
The family is being supported by specialist police family liaison officers as they navigate their overwhelming grief. The close-knit communities around Pateley Bridge and surrounding villages have rallied around the family, with Detective Inspector Cowling noting that “the many messages of love and kind words about Bailey are hugely appreciated and welcomed by his family.”
Investigation Details
The collision occurred on the B6265, a rural road that connects Pateley Bridge with Glasshouses, approximately 26 miles (42km) north of Leeds. The road remained closed for several hours whilst forensic examinations and collision investigations were carried out.
North Yorkshire Police have utilised CCTV footage and pursued multiple lines of enquiry in their investigation. The force continues to appeal for information, asking anyone with details to email the Major Collision Investigation Team at mcit@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference number 12250133851.
Anonymous reports can also be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online reporting system. Police stress that even small pieces of information could prove vital to the investigation.
The arrest marks a significant development in what has become a high-profile case that has deeply affected the local community. As the investigation continues, Bailey’s family and friends are left to mourn a young man who had his whole life ahead of him, with dreams of travel and adventure cruelly cut short on a dark North Yorkshire road.
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