TRIBUTES to an 'extremely talented' City of Oxford College teacher who died in a car crash continued today.
Stephen Piper, a dance and performing arts teacher, would 'never be forgotten' and had been 'looked up to', pupils said over the weekend.
More floral tributes have also been left at the scene of the crash in Eynsham Road, Botley.
This morning Activate Learning, which runs City of Oxford College, said staff were 'shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Stephen's death'.
Chief executive Sally Dicketts added: "He was an extremely talented dancer and performer and, as a teacher, inspired many young people to begin their careers in the performing arts.
- Mr Piper's car left Eynsham Road at about 3.30am on Saturday
"Stephen was about to take on new responsibilities at work, having just been promoted to faculty manager.
"He was respected by staff and students alike and will be greatly missed.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
Students were being offered counselling services at the college, she added.
Witney Dramatic Society also joined tributes to Mr Piper, who lived in Carterton.
A statement on the group’s website said: “It is with sadness and regret that we inform you of the death of one of our Witney Dramatic Society family.
“Steve started his association with the society through many collaborations with Dramascope at a young age.”
The society said Mr Piper and his brother’s ‘natural comedic ability’ meant they were often cast as villain’s sidekicks in pantomimes.
It added: “But he was talented in so many ways... It was his love of dancing that took him on to become a talented dance teacher and choreographer.
“Those who knew him will agree the stage will be a darker place without him on it”.
- Stephen Piper, far left, with fellow members of Witney Dramatic Society in 2011, when they performed the Little Shop of Horrors
Members would be ‘thinking of Steve’ as they performed a forthcoming play this weekend, it added.
Messages about Mr Piper also continued to pour in on social media.
He was described as 'an amazing dance teacher' by one Facebook user. Jack Champion added: "Thinking of Steve Piper and his family."
Meanwhile, people also posted tributes on Twitter:
RIP to my movement and voice teacher. Keep dancing Steve.
— me (@Emmagbutcher) October 22, 2016
Rip Steve, you will never be forgotten. Your laugh & memories will live forever ❤️
— Sophia Mathis (@SophieMathis93) October 22, 2016
Beth Willoughby wrote: "RIP Steve. You actually made me dance."
Former pupil Isobel Brook wrote on Facebook: “Steve was my favourite dance teacher and never let anything phase him.”
And on Twitter, @EmilyyBecca wrote: “RIP you wonderful human”.
Flowers have also been laid at the scene of the crash, while police continue to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed it.
Investigating officer PC Duncan Vale said: "This was a tragic incident. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle in the lead up to the collision, or the collision itself."
Those with information should call 101.
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