Christopher Ellis (17) was killed after the car he was travelling in crashed on the A6003 near Caldecott at 4.10am on Sunday (October 14).
He received fatal injuries after the burgundy Citroen Saxo in which he was a front passenger left the road and hit a road sign.

Christopher, a student at Rutland College, was a former pupil at Uppingham Community College where staff and pupils have paid tribute to him.

Deputy principal Lynne Wells said: "Chris Ellis was a young man full of life who enjoyed debating with other students and who was always encouraging others to get involved both in sport and other parts of school life. He was charming and had lots of character.

"Chris was a talented rugby player with much potential. His death will have brought great sadness to all the staff and former students who knew him. Our sympathy goes to his parents and brothers and sisters."

Road side tributes and mementoes at the scene of the crash include a Leicester Tigers flag, an Uppingham Community College school tie, an Oakham Rugby Football Club shirt, a Dandy magazine, a rugby ball and photographs of Christopher and his friends. Notes among the flowers read "Rest in peace. You're a legend. Never forgotten." and "I'll love you forever."

The 18-year-old driver of the Citroen was taken to Kettering Hospital where it was said on Wednesday (October 17) ) his condition was not thought to be life threatening, and two further male passengers received minor injuries and were treated at Grantham Hospital.

A 17-year-old man has been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

Christopher was in his second year studying A-levels at Rutland College.

A spokesman for the college said: "Staff and students have been devastated by the tragic death of Chris Ellis. He was a charismatic character, popular with both staff and students.

"He had a dry sense of humour and lessons were often punctuated with laughter caused by one of his observations. He was always polite but had a mischievous glint in his eye.

"A book of condolences from the students has been opened and will be passed to the family once completed."

Christopher was a member of Oakham Rugby Football Club. This weekend there will be a minute's silence at all the senior, junior and minis rugby matches, and the Oakham Colts rugby team are not playing as a mark of respect for Christopher and his family.

Coach Simon Harries said: "Chris joined Oakham Rugby Club junior section at the age of 14 having played rugby at Uppingham Community College. Chris has played for all his age group sides from U15 to U17 and was a member of the current Oakham Colts team.

"Chris loved his rugby and was a highly committed player who trained regularly and could be relied upon to give 100 per cent in all he did on and off the pitch. He was very self critical and was always striving to play better.

"His talent was recognised by the senior section of the club towards the end of last season when he played a number of times for the second XV.

"Chris was a very popular young man who always had a view, which he invariably shared in his usual humourous manner. Chris leaves a big a big hole in our team and our rugby family and he will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him."

In a statement Chris' family said:"We are obviously devastated by the loss of Christopher and are taking support and comfort from friends and family.

"We want to pay tribute to Christopher properly – as there so much to say about him – but we need space at this time to grieve.

The stretch of road where Christopher was killed has claimed two other lives in the past two months.

Anyone with any information about the accident is asked to contact PC 4150 Samm Starbuck on (0116) 222 2222.

To leave a tribute to Christopher which will be reported on this website and in the Rutland Times, click here