A young father-of-two who died after a late-night crash in Witham had been out with his brother celebrating getting a new job, his family has revealed in a glowing tribute.

Adam Heath, 32, of the Chelmsford area, was a front-seat passenger of an Audi which collided with a stationary HGV trailer in Freebournes Lane just before 1.20am on February 26.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement issued through Essex Police today, his family paid tribute to the “gentle soul” and “amazing dad” who had a strong bond with his two young children.

His family said: “Adam meant so much to so many people. He was the firstborn, our oldest brother and a loving father to his two boys aged eight and five years.

“Adam loved spending time with his children and he was an amazing dad. He has such a strong bond with his children. He was always smiling and laughing and was so content in life.

“Adam had so many friends and was just the sort of person you would want to be around. He had a gentle soul.

“Adam was out celebrating with our other brother and a friend of theirs. He was celebrating getting a new job on the night that this tragedy occurred. It still has not quite sunk in that he has really gone, just writing this feels so surreal and so wrong.

“Adam was so young, he had his whole life ahead of him and his children – words cannot describe. He will remain in our hearts forever. It is just such a devastating tragedy.

“We love you so much Adam, rest in peace brother.”