Tributes paid to ‘incredible’ boy, 11, killed in M4 minibus crash

A football club has paid tribute to an 11-year-old boy who died after a minibus overturned on a motorway slip road last month.

Othniel Adoma, from Bracknell, Berkshire, died on Thursday, more than three weeks after the single-vehicle crash on the M4 near Reading, police said.

Paying tribute, Crowthorne FC Juniors said in a statement it was “devastated by the tragic passing of one of our own”.

The club has organised a vigil to be held in Othniel’s memory on Friday, and has set up a fundraiser that has already raised £6,000 towards a memorial.

In a statement released following the 11-year-old’s death, the club said he had been a “talented young footballer, full of promise, who spent three wonderful years” at the club.

“He was loved deeply by his coaches, his teammates, and everyone whose life he touched,” it said.

“He will be remembered not only for his electric pace, dazzling footwork, and the goals and assists he delivered week after week — but more importantly, for the incredible person he was.

“Othniel always had a smile on his face and brought joy and laughter to those around him.”

The vigil in memory of Othniel will take place at at Birch Hill Recreation Ground, in Bracknell, at 19:00 BST on Friday.

“Our hearts remain with Othniel’s family, and we encourage the community to come together and show just how loved and special their little boy truly was,” the club said.

“Let’s stand united — in love, in remembrance, and in honour of a beautiful young soul who will forever be in our hearts.”

Othniel died more than three weeks after a white Ford Transit minibus overturned on the link road at junction 10 of the M4 to the A329(M) near Reading on 11 May.

A six-year-old boy was also killed in the crash. Five other children injured in the incident have since been discharged from hospital, Thames Valley Police said.

The force said its serious collision investigation unit was investigating the crash and confirmed no arrests had been made.