Ryan Lee, whose family said “lived life for today and to the full”, died of injuries suffered in the crash near Eggborough, North Yorkshire, caused by John Andrew Smith
A young man who “had a heart of gold” was killed when his friend – an unlicensed and uninsured driver – careered into an oncoming vehicle.
Ryan Lee, 28, was declared dead at the scene after John Andrew Smith sped through a red light and misjudged an overtake, ploughing Ryan’s van into a car near Eggborough, North Yorkshire. The driver of the other vehicle suffered critical injuries, which left him needing multiple operations and living with reduced mobility.
Ryan’s family yesterday paid tribute to the man, who they say “brought a lot of fun and very many laughs”. They shared their emotional statement after Smith was jailed for 11 years yesterday at York Crown Court. He admitted death and serious injury by dangerous driving, and death while driving uninsured and without a licence.
The court heard the smash happened after Smith and his friend had been out at a pub, after which Smith decided to drive his friend’s van home – despite not having a licence or insurance.
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In their statement, Ryan’s family said: “Ryan’s tragic death has left a huge hole in our lives and our family. Ryan was a character, who lived life for today and to the full. Although this could cause worry for his family at times, Ryan brought a lot of fun and very many laughs.
“He had a heart of gold and would do anything for those he cared about. The many cards, flowers, well wishes and GoFundMe donations show how much Ryan was thought of, and how many people have been affected by his death.
“Ryan’s parents, John and Tracey, sister Sarah, niece Ivy-Rose, nana Jean, girlfriend Alana and the rest of his family are very grateful for every one of these. They really have helped during this devastating time. Ryan will always be loved and never forgotten.”
The horror crash happened on a rural road on June 17, 2023, and saw Ryan, a quality control line leader from Beal, North Yorkshire, die within minutes of impact. Smith, of Byram, North Yorkshire, was taken to hospital for treatment.
Speaking after Smith was jailed, North Yorkshire Police’s Detective Constable Richard Grey said: “This collision has left the Lee family devastated with the loss of Ryan. They’ve told us it’s left them absolutely broken.
“The family of the injured driver have also had their life turned upside down, as he endured multiple operations. He now has to live with the fact that his injuries will leave a lasting legacy of reduced mobility, and the inability live his life as intended.
“The affected families have at least been saved from the ordeal of a trial, as Smith has admitted his guilt and not sullied Ryan’s name in this senseless and horrific incident.
“All this has happened because Smith showed no regard for the safety of others and an attempt to save a few seconds off a journey with an overtake.”