The family of a “one-of-a-kind” teenager killed in a car crash has launched a fundraiser in his memory.

Ethan Entwistle, 18, died when the Seat Ibiza he was a passenger in collided with a tree in Dumpton Park Drive near the junction with Bay View Road, Broadstairs.

Emergency services were called at about 3.20am on October 1, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene – two days before his 19th birthday.

The driver, aged 18, was taken to hospital for treatment and was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Entwistle’s relatives have launched a fundraiser for a memorial bench, which more than 60 people have already donated to.

“Ethan was so loved by so many and so many people have asked to contribute to his funeral in his memory,” it states.

Speaking about Ethan’s mum, Keena, the page goes on: “However, Keena would understandably like to pay for this herself as the last thing she can do for her much-loved, firstborn son.

“Keena would like to get a memorial bench for Ethan and, knowing how many want to contribute in his memory, we decided on a shared bench from all who loved him, and who might like to visit the bench to remember Ethan, may help everyone grieve and will be a lasting tribute to someone who has left such a huge imprint in our hearts.”

More than £1,500 has been raised so far towards a target of £3,000. The fundraiser can be viewed here.

Speaking to KentOnline earlier this month, Keena said Ethan’s death has devastated family and friends.

She went on: “Ethan was definitely one of a kind - they broke the mould when they made him.”

“He had an amazing sense of humour and always had everyone laughing. All his friends from infant school to college have been sending messages saying how much he always made them smile.

“He was a gentle giant at 6ft 2ins and was scared of most things himself really, but he went out of his way to protect people.

“One of his friends from infancy said she remembered him protecting her from mean people.”

Ethan, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday two days after the crash, had been three weeks into a mechanic’s course at Broadstairs College.

He had spent the summer with friends and his younger brother Thomas, 15, and Keena said he was “really enjoying life”.

“In the space of three weeks he went to see Dizzee Rascal at Dreamland, then went to Reading festival and up to Glasgow,” she added.

“He got a lot in this summer. As his mum, I am really happy about that.”

Tributes were left at the crash scene, including flowers and a birthday card for Ethan.

On what should have been his 19th birthday two days after the crash, more than 70 friends and family members gathered to remember him.

Officers from the serious collision investigation unit are continuing inquiries and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash.

They are also appealing for anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage taken in the area around the time to come forward. Footage can be submitted via the public portal. Witnesses should call the SCIU appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference 01-0212.