FAMILY AND friends who gathered in grief yesterday could still smell the smoldering ash from a fiery car explosion that left a beloved 16-year-old dead. Friends laid flowers in a posh Etobicoke neighbourhood and identified Chris Campbell as a popular, funny teen who was always there to help others.

The Bishop Allen high school student hosted a party Saturday night in his family's Royal York Rd. home, in a neighbourhood of million-dollar houses. His dad was away on a trip to Ukraine.

Friends who were there said the teens were drinking before Campbell disappeared after 9 p.m. alone with the keys to his dad's Mercedes Benz.

"He just left, we don't know why, we asked where he was but he was just gone," said one teen, who asked her name not be used. "He had been drinking a lot and we were worried.

"The next thing the ambulance was going by."

Campbell, who has a twin brother, recently received his driver's licence learner's permit, friends said.

Just around the corner from his house, Campbell sped around a dangerous curve and intersection that has been a sore point with community groups concerned about safety.

"It's a very dangerous turn here and we'd been asking the city for years to put in speed bumps or a stop sign," said area resident Mary Ann Barkin. "They told us we didn't meet the criteria because we've never had a fatality here. Now, we have. It's so sad it would have to come to this."

Campbell's Mercedes hit a tree before it went airborne, landing on a brick wall and exploding into flames. There were no skid marks on the road.

"The explosion was incredible," said Stephen Jarrod, who was just down the street when it occurred. "I came out and I saw a big ball of fire."

Campbell's father was flying home yesterday.

"It's hard enough losing a nephew," the teen's uncle said. "I can't imagine what it's like to lose a son."

As young friends said their goodbyes, they sifted through what was left of the wreckage. One girl found Campbell's burnt watch.

"Oh my God, oh my God," she screamed as others ran over to console her.

Dozens showed up throughout the day at the accident scene.

"He was a generous person, always willing to do something for others," Adam Nichols said. "And he was so funny, he always had the ability to make you laugh."