A McLaren staff member who died in a sports car crash yesterday is from Sutton.
Ollie Bourton, 22, a former Glenthorne High School pupil, was in a blue Subaru Impreza during the collision on Wednesday afternoon near the F1 giant’s technology centre in Surrey.
He was killed along with a friend and colleague, Darren Hayes, 19, who he worked with on the production of the McLaren road cars - the commercial offshoot of the McLaren F1 team which is based at the same site in Ottershaw.
Ollie and Darren were confirmed dead at the scene following the collision with a Ford Transit on the A320 at 12.10pm.
Darren Hayes
The driver of the Ford Transit, a man in his 60s, was taken to St George’s Hospital, in Tooting, with serious injuries.
Surrey Police are appealing for witnesses to call them as a matter of urgency on 101 quoting reference P14027978.
Mr Bourton, loved cars and had studied Motorsports Engineering at Brooklands College after leaving Glenthorne.
Glenthorne Headteacher Stephen Hume said: “He was a fantastic pupil, very popular and likeable. He was much loved by staff and pupils at Glenthorne and will be sorely missed. He was a lovely lad and it’s so sad to lose him in such a tragic accident.
“He was always interested in cars and was very successful at karting. He always wanted to be an engineer and that’s why getting the job at McLaren was a dream come true for him. For any young man interested in engineering and cars, a job at McLaren is the plum job.
“He was chuffed when he got the job and we were all delighted for him.
“We had a staff meeting this morning and all the staff are incredibly saddened.”
Tributes have flooded in on social networking sites.
Mike Flewitt, chief executive officer of McLaren Automotive, said: “We have been informed that we have sadly lost two hard working and extremely well-liked employees of McLaren Automotive.
“They will be sorely missed by their friends and colleagues and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families.”
Did you know Ollie? Leave a comment below, email ssleigh@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 0208 722 6358.
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