A FAMILY have paid tribute to a driver who died just weeks before he was about to become a father for the second time.

Daniel Lary, 25, died when the car he was driving left the road and collided with a lamppost on Lampits Hill, Corringham.

Tragically Mr Lary, who has an 18-month old daughter from a previous relationship, will never see his son who is due to be born to his partner Nina in six weeks.

In a tribute, released through police, his parents Steve and Sue said his death had left a “huge hole” in their lives.

They said: “Daniel had friends wherever he went, at school, rugby or work. He was part of a big family that loved him very much. “He was a ‘big bear’ with such a big heart, and had a big cheeky grin that lit up a room. He could make everyone laugh, even if it was him they were laughing at, with his great sense of humour and his relaxed attitude to life. All these things made him so unique.”

They added: “He was very deep and very loving, and Daniel has left a huge hole in so many lives.”

Mr Lary of High Street, Aveley, was described as a big rugby fan and his family said his car was “one of the loves of his life”.

A message from his partner Nina, left at the roadside, read: “Dan, I love you so much, you promised you would never leave me or us. Our son will make you proud, I promise. I love you, Nina xx.”

Mr Lary was driving his green Nissan coupe along the road at about 4.50pm on Thursday June 23 when the crash happened.

He was being followed closely by a grey Ford Sierra and a blue Ford Fiesta.

The driver of the Sierra, a 25-year-old man, from Stanford-le-Hope, and a 22-year-old man from Corringham, who was driving the Fiesta, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information can call the serious collision investigation unit on 0300 3334444.