THE centre of Mirfield has become a shrine to Ross Wood.
The outpouring of grief for the popular 22-year-old who died tragically has been manifested in a huge display of flowers outside Mirfield Library.
Ross suffered severe injuries in an incident on Huddersfield Road in the centre of Mirfield just after midnight on Saturday morning.
He died in Leeds General Infirmary late on Monday night.
A 15-year-old boy who cannot be named because of his age has appeared before Dewsbury Youth Court charged with manslaughter and was remanded in custody.
An 18-year-old has been charged with affray.
The number of tributes to Ross and condolences on the memorial website Gone Too Soon has soared to more than 100. Many have come in from around the world, from friends Ross had made on the internet.
He was a big fan of internet gaming and would play against people from countries as varied as Greece, Germany, Slovenia, Croatia and Israel.
He leaves parents Steve and Sam, sisters Leanne, 23, and Ashlea, 19, and Ashlea’s baby son, Jayden.
Sam has thanked everyone for rallying around and supporting the family at such a terrible time.
She said: “I’m so touched by all the kind words about Ross from people we don’t even know. I’m learning just how many friends he had.
“We are building up a collection of his favourite things and songs for his funeral.’’
Tino Vatavuk, from Split in Croatia, wrote on Gone Too Soon: “In these brief two years we have talked and played together. Your talented game play inspired me to work harder.
“The joy and love toward your sister, Ashlea, and Jayden you were radiating was so overwhelming that I’m sure it travelled around the earth and instantly filled hearts and rooms of everyone talking to you.’’
Friend Rowan Geld from Mirfield wrote: “You were the friendliest person I knew. You never picked on anyone and welcomed everyone. It was a pleasure being in your company. You were kind and polite, a real friend.
“My mum and everyone’s mums and dads had a real soft spot for you, as did anyone who spent time with you.’’
Ross was captain of Mirfield Town FC on Sundays and played for Horbury Town on Saturdays.
Adie Harrison, from Ossett, played with Ross at Horbury Town.
He wrote: “You were a fantastic footballer and without doubt one of the best players at Horbury. You were always smiling and had a lot of great banter. We will miss you very much and nobody will ever be able to fill your place at Horbury Town.’’
