Tributes Paid After Fatal Crash Near Southminster

24 October 2014, 12:03 | Updated: 24 October 2014, 12:05

A man who died when his car hit a house and a tree near Southminster has been described as "a ray of sunshine" with a "big heart".

Christopher McDonald, from New Road in Burnham, died in the crash on Steeple Road in St Lawrence which happened at around 2.30am.

The 20 year-old's parents said in a statement: "He brought a ray of sunshine into the lives of everyone he met. He has left a huge void in our lives, a void that will be with us forever. He made us smile, laugh and intensely proud. It was always a joy to be with him.

"This is a great loss to us but we will cherish the time we had with him. The times we shared with him will remain in our memories forever. Known as 'gentle giant' to many, not big in stature, but big in his heart. He would do anything to help anyone out. We love and will miss him so so much."

Police are continuing to investigate the collision and anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on Essex Police 101 or they can email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk