Hundreds mourn Alnwick teenager Sam Gattens

Jun 19 2009 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

THEY came in their hundreds to send tragic teenager Sam Gattens on his last journey.

The 17-year-old’s life was cut short when the car he was driving overturned and hit a tree on the B6341 near Lion Bridge, just outside Alnwick, Northumberland.

The imposing St Michael’s Church, in Alnwick, could barely accommodate the mourners yesterday as friends and family overwhelmed his funeral service, led by the Rev Rachel Squires.

Sam’s coffin was draped in red and white flowers spelling his name, to symbolise his love for Sunderland AFC. And those close to him embraced as pallbearers fighting tears began the final goodbye.

The church overlooks the River Aln valley, close to the spot where the teenage golf prodigy lost his life in the early hours of Sunday. The popular former Duchess’s High School student had only passed his driving test six days earlier.

In an emotional reading made on behalf of Sam’s brother, Adam, 21, the teenager was described as “everyone’s friend”.

“I always thought I was more popular than Sam, but I wasn’t,” he said. “I always thought he was known as my brother, but no. I was known as his.

“I will be proud to walk down the street and be known as his brother. He was the best anyone could wish for.

“He looked up to me and would always ask me questions about life and people. Sam treated his friends as family. He had no enemies.”