Joe Melody did in hospital hours after the crash in Gale Street
(Picture: Supplied)Tributes have been paid to a “funny and cheeky” teenager who was killed in a horror moped crash at an east London roundabout.
Joe Melody, 16, was knocked off his moped in a collision with a car on Sunday around 1.30pm.
He died in hospital hours after the collision at 1.30pm on Sunday in Gale Street, Dagenham.
Scotland Yard said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and hasn’t been arrested.
In a statement, Joseph’s family said: “Our Joe, from the moment he could walk he was on the back of a bike. If you could pinpoint a time which he was his happiest, it would be then.
“Growing up Joe was a cheeky chappy who enjoyed the company of his friends, doing all the things kids do. He spoke to and knew everyone, no matter where he went Joe would make a friend, young or old.
“He had a heart of gold and cared deeply about his family and friends. He adored his nieces who looked up to him as their Uncle Joe Joe. He had just finished school; he was so proud and so were we.
“Our entire life has been torn apart and our hearts broken, it will never be the same again. Ride high in the sky our Joe Joe, forever loved, forever sixteen.”
A family friend told The Standard: “I knew Joe he was really close in our family we looked after him and looked out for him.
“He was always at our house and family gatherings.
“He is the sweetest boy, funny and very cheeky. I’m really going to miss his little freckly face. I’m truly heartbroken that he is gone so soon.
“I always told him to stay out of trouble and be a good boy.”
His friends performed a ride out in his memory at the spot where the crash took place.
Joe’s social media profiles show him dancing at Prom night, celebrating his last day of school and posts looking for construction work. He also performs stunts on his bicycle in the local area. One of his final posts was an emotional reunion with his father.
A witness to the aftermath of the crash said: “I can’t imagine the pain his family and friends are in. I can only hope his last moments weren’t painful.”
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a collision between a car and a moped in Gale Street, Dagenham.
“The rider of the moped – a 16-year-old boy – was taken to hospital. Sadly he died at hospital later that day.
“The boy’s family have been informed and will be supported by specialist officers.”
“The driver of the car stopped at the scene. There has been no arrest.”
