Tributes paid to Eastleigh man who died in A31 crash

Tom Collins' family and friends say the 26-year-old "will be sadly missed" following his death in hospital on November 2. Five days earlier, he had been involved in a single-vehicle crash[1] involving a black Seat Leon on the A31. Leading the tributes, friend Chloe Young described him as "amazing".

She said: "Tom used to come round ours on his motorbike. "Rest in peace Tom you'll be sadly missed. But your memories will stay with me and Boris forever."

Caprice Meade said Tom "didn't deserve to die", adding "you had such a life ahead of you and a heart of gold". Several people offered their condolences online too, with many commenting on the Daily Echo Facebook page. Rachel King shared her memories of Tom.

She said: "I remember Tom as a baby up until his teenage years. "Although he battled ADHD he still had a loving nature. "Our thoughts go out to his family especially his mum and brother at this time."

Nilton Duarte said: "You will be missed by many Tom, rest easy. "Thoughts with his family he was a great guy always smiling. "Condolences to his family and friends."

Mandy Lawrence described the news as "absolutely heartbreaking". She added: "So very sad. Massive love and prayers to his family."

Rachel Meatcher, who knew Tom for 15 years, commented: "Rest easy fella." Caroline Thacker said: "Thinking of all his family and friends. So sad."

His family were among those paying tribute to Tom. In a statement, they said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tom. He was a kind-hearted soul who always wore his heart on his sleeve.

"He suffered with ADHD, but he didn't let that affect his love for life. "He will be very much missed by his family and friends and by anyone who supported him, in both his social and professional life." Officers are continuing to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage should call 101 or report online via police website, quoting reference 44230441281.

References

1. ^ involved in a single-vehicle crash (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Book of condolence set up for Tom Collins following crash death (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Southampton FC issue statement after 'devoted' fan dies following fall at St Mary's (www.dailyecho.co.uk)