Joshua Farris and Max Redding, both 19, died in the Epsom Road collision on 21 August. Their families have paid tribute, and the witness appeal is open.

The families of two 19-year-olds who died in a collision on Epsom Road at East Clandon have paid tribute to them. Surrey Police published the tributes this week, three weeks after the crash on the night of Friday 21 August.

The force named the two men as Joshua Farris, 19, and Max Redding, 19, both from Woking. Max’s full name was Mckenzie Graham Redding.

What happened on 21 August

Officers were called to Epsom Road just after 11pm that Friday. The force’s original witness appeal said the collision involved three cars: a white Seat Leon, a black Seat Leon and a grey Seat Leon. The driver of the white Seat and his passenger died at the scene. Epsom Road stayed closed afterwards while investigators worked at the site.

In the same appeal, the force said three people had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving: a 22-year-old man from Woking, a 21-year-old woman from Guildford and a 19-year-old man from Guildford. All three were in police custody at the time of that statement. The force has not named them, and it has published no update on the investigation since. An arrest is not a charge.

“He had his whole future ahead of him”

Joshua’s family said: “Joshua was a much-loved son, grandson and brother, and our lives will never be the same without him. At just 19 years old, he had his whole future ahead of him.”

They said he was an apprentice mechanic “who was passionate about his work and took great pride in learning his trade”, and that he “would do anything for anyone”.

“The loss of Joshua has left a huge hole in our hearts,” they said. “Joshua will be deeply missed every day, but he will never be forgotten.”

“Max loved life and lived it to its fullest”

Max’s family said: “As parents, we cannot put into words how heartbroken we are at the loss of our beloved son, Max. His life was tragically cut short far too soon, and the loss we feel is immeasurable.”

They described him as a brilliant sportsman. He competed in gymnastics and trampolining tournaments before developing what they called a real passion for rugby. “Whatever Max chose to do, he threw himself into it,” they said.

“Since his passing, the messages and tributes we have received have shown us just how many lives he had touched. He leaves behind an enormous space in all our lives. He will be loved and remembered always.”

What it means for you

The witness appeal is still open. Surrey Police wants to hear from you if:

  • you were on or near Epsom Road at East Clandon between 10.50pm and 11pm on Friday 21 August
  • you saw the collision, or the driving of any of the three cars before it
  • you have dashcam or helmet camera footage from the road that evening

Quote reference PR/45260102021 when you get in touch, using the contact options listed on the force’s witness appeal page. If you would rather not speak to the police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.