Family's tributes to tree crash victim Stuart Carter

A GRIEVING family plans to leave an equestrian business behind because it is "too painful" following the tragic death of their 30-year-old son.

Champion hot rod driver Stuart "Stu" Carter helped his dad Peter, 59, and step-mum Vida, 47, to run Horseworld Equestrian Centre, at Osgodby, before he died when his hire van hit a tree near Holton-le-Moor on May 24.

The couple – who only took over the lease of the business seven months ago – plan to give it up and return to Brigg, where they previously lived.

Peter said: "I can't help thinking that if we had never moved out here then I would still have my son.

"He was a top man and would do anything for anybody. He could turn his hand to anything.

"He learnt to drive when he was ten and was a unbelievable driver so we just can't understand what happened.

"He was a kind, hard-working lad with his whole life ahead of him and so much to give. We won't be able to rest until we have answers."

Born in Grimsby, Stuart grew up in Brigg, attending Brigg Primary and Sir John Nelthorpe schools.

He began working for his dad after leaving secondary school, firstly for the family transportation firm and later at the Dying Gladiator pub, in Brigg, and The Queen's Head, at North Kelsey Moor, where Peter was landlord.

When the family took over Horseworld, Stuart moved to Osgodby with them and became their course builder.

Vida said: "He wasn't horsey but Stuart decided he wanted to learn how to build show jumping courses. We laughed at first but he soon proved us all wrong and passed his British Show Jumping Association qualification.

"We only received his badge two days before he died and he was wearing it the night he died. He took it off and put it in the drawer in the office just before he left.

"We can't carry on here without him. We still can't believe he's gone and I keep expecting to turn around and see him."

Stuart's mum, Linda, passed away aged 40 and Vida says she thought of him as a son.

She added: "He was just such a lovely, fun-loving bloke and nothing was too much trouble.

"He went on a lads' holiday with a group of friends a few years ago and he only had four euros left.

"He could have spent them on a drink but instead he gave them to his friend so that he could phone home and speak to his son on his birthday.

"That was the kind of bloke he was."

Stuart became involved in competitive motorsport ten years ago and won more than 600 trophies, being ranked one of the top hot rod drivers in the country.

His family have been contacted by hot rod drivers and enthusiasts from around the world who were saddened to hear of his passing, and more than 400 people attended his funeral at Scunthorpe Crematorium on Wednesday.

Stuart was close to brother, Scott, 32, who lives in Brigg, as well as step siblings, Josh, Christina and Sarah.