The family of a 66-year-old man who died following a collision in Aveley last week have described him as a true family man with a quick wit and a kind heart.

Christopher Bottoms was driving a Kia Picanto involved in a two‑vehicle collision in Ship Road at around 11.05pm on Tuesday, 20 January.

The crash also claimed the life of 18-year-old George Herd, whose family have also paid tribute to him. 

Paying tribute to Chris, a former policeman and cabbie remembered as a loving and caring father, husband and son, his family said: "There are no words that would do him justice when trying to describe him as a person, but we will try our best.

"He was an immensely popular member of the community — the type of person it was simply impossible to dislike.

"Often referred to as 'Big Chris' due to his larger‑than‑life personality and incredibly kind heart, he would always put others first and never expect anything in return.

"Chris spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Service before semi‑retiring and becoming a London black‑cab driver.

"He fully retired in 2020 and has since enjoyed travelling the world with his friends and family.

"A keen sports fan and food enthusiast, he could often be found supporting his sons at Upminster Cricket Club in the summer, cheering on Sheppey United FC in the winter, and visiting the local curry house afterwards.

"Chris was a true family man and would do anything for his sons, Alex and Will, his wife Denise, and his mother Sylv.

"They enjoyed playing cards together, watching quiz shows, playing golf and indulging in his delicious home‑cooked food.

"His sense of humour was second to none, and his quick wit will be missed by all who knew him.

"He had the irreplaceable ability to make you feel safe and at ease, and would always offer sound and practical advice in a time of need.

"The hole left behind by this tragic loss will never be filled, but the happy memories of him will stay with us forever.

"As a family, we would like to thank everyone who arrived on the scene, and the medical staff who did all they could for Chris and allowed us precious time to say goodbye."

An investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing and is being led by the Essex police Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

Officers are seeking help with the investigation and say: "If you have any information, CCTV, dashcam or other footage relating to this incident, please contact us and quote incident 1231 of 20 January.

You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service. 

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