Shay Bladen was seriously injured at the 368-homes Sniperley Park DH1 homes development last Thursday afternoon.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where Durham Constabulary has now confirmed he died on Friday.

The Bellway Homes site is currently at the groundworks stage with Esh Group carrying out preparatory work.

Esh said the incident involved an employee of a subcontractor.

In a statement released through Durham Constabulary the teenager’s parents said: “Shay was the most genuine, loving, funny, caring lad you could ever wish to meet, he lit up every room making everyone smile even on the worst days.

“He was a genuine friend to many and the most amazing, caring, big brother to Ellis and Edie.

“Shay loved to go boxing and go to the gym, he loved work and his job and just constantly being on the go.

“Shay also loved spending time with his long-term girlfriend Libby.

“As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of the hard working, determined young man Shay turned out to be.

“We love you and seeing how highly everyone speaks about you just shows the type of person you were.

“Our handsome brown eyed boy – Forever 17”.

Det Ch Insp Andy Crowe said: “This has been a truly tragic incident and I would like to offer Shay’s family and friends the sincere condolences of everyone at Durham Constabulary.

“We are carrying out a joint investigation with our colleagues at the Health and Safety Executive to determine the exact circumstances as to how this tragedy unfolded.”