Tributes have poured in for a ‘loving and funny’ father and friend who died following a serious collision on Popley Way in Basingstoke.
Matt Harris has been named locally as the victim who lost his life after a Honda motorbike was hit by a car on Thursday night.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Mr Harris’ family by a close friend Matthew Cooke who told the Gazette: “He was a really good guy, he was always there for his family and friends.
“This is to help his family at such a hard time.”
Posting to the GoFundMe site, Mr Cooke wrote: “I can't believe I'm having to write this but as many of you know a very dear friend, a father and a fiancee Matt was involved in a accident last night and sadly lost his life.
“Matt has left behind his beautiful fiancée; Calley and children. We are setting up this page to try help Calley out financially at this difficult time.
He continued: “The money can help Calley and family in this dreadful time to get by or pay for funeral cost. Any donations are welcome no matter how small. Thank you everyone.”
To donate to Mr Cooke's fundraising page, please visit here.
Already, dozens of people have donated and have paid tribute to Mr Harris with more than £2,000 raised within the first five hours.
One friend wrote: “Matt was such a lovely guy: so funny, kind and caring. His adored his kids and family.”
Another said: “Matt was an amazing funny guy. He did not deserve to have his life end this way. No matter the situation, Matt would make you laugh. He will forever be missed.”
Hampshire Constabulary has issued an appeal for witnesses and is looking for anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.
It comes after the force revealed a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Police, the ambulance service and the fire brigade were called to the incident on Thursday night at around 6.30pm, with the junction of Popley Way and Abbey Road closed for several hours.
Two fire engines, as well as an ambulance, critical care unit and several police officers attended the incident and closed the road for some time.
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