Josh Bainbridge was a passenger in a Ford Fiesta which was involved in a collision on Leazes Lane, in St Helen Auckland, on November 8.
The 23-year-old, of West Auckland, sustained life-changing injuries as a result of the collision and was taken to hospital for treatment.
He sadly died on Monday (May 4).
Today, his heartbroken mam, Rachel, said her heart had been shattered and her soul destroyed.
“Rest in peace my darling boy, you were taken far too soon,” she said. “God really does take the best because you were one of a kind – a proper gentleman with a heart of pure gold who had a real passion for fishing.
“I never once had any trouble from you – you were a son to be proud of, and I would pick you to be my son in every lifetime.
“You will live on through me now, son, as I am going to learn how to fish so you can look down on me and have a good laugh at your old mar. I will make you as proud of me as I am of you.
“I want you to look down on me and say: “See her there, that’s my mam”.”
She added: “No matter how big you are, you will always be mammy’s little soldier. We will meet again one day and when we do, I will never let you go.
“All my love forever and always, son.”
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision is ongoing.
