Tributes have been paid to a "funny" and "caring" father who died alongside his friend in a car crash. 

Connor O'Shea, who lived in Basingstoke, was travelling in his friend's car when the Renault Megane was involved in a collision with a lorry on the A33 near Reading on April 11.

His friend, 31-year-old Kyle Jones, also passed away in the collision.

A GoFundMe page has since been set up in aid of 26-year-old Connor's family, raising more than £5,000 at the time of writing.

He was married and had two children, one aged three years old and one aged 19 months.

In a statement, his widow Gemma described Connor as her "first love".

She said: "Connor was a loving husband, daddy, son, brother and friend to so many!

“He was my first love, we have been together for six years and were just a few weeks away from our third wedding anniversary.

“Connor was such a funny, caring father to our three-year old and 19-month old sons. There is nothing he wouldn't do for them.

“Connor was the life and soul (the loudest) person that lit up any room or place that he was in.

“Connor and Kyle were the most loving and caring men you could have ever met and the closest of friends.

“We are devastated by the sudden loss of our rock! We will love, miss and remember you always."

The father of two was near Swallowfield, travelling towards Basingstoke, just before 5.30pm when his friend's car was involved in a collision with a white HGV.

Connor's former employer, Kathryn Tombs, who set up the GoFundMe page, also paid tribute to Connor, saying that he was "larger than life".

"He was larger than life, full of fun and would brighten everybody's day."

She told The Gazette that despite the fact he left the company and then later returned, he was still well-remembered because he made such an impression.

"Everybody still remembers him really fondly," she said. "I have had so many memories and all of them have been fun."

She reflected how Connor, an account manager, would come into the office singing Hello by Adele every day after the song became a hit.

"He will be very sadly missed by everybody," Kathryn added.

Commenting on the success of the GoFundMe page, set up a week ago, she continued: "It has overwhelmed me to be honest.

"When I set it up I thought £2,000 was a bit ambitious but it has smashed £5,000.

"We just had to do something and that was the best thing we could do. Money is going to help the family a lot.

"It has resonated with so many people because even friends and families of current employees here have contributed to it after hearing the stories."

Almost 150 people have contributed to the fundraiser, including friends, family and even complete strangers.

Connor attended Bishop Challoner school in Basingstoke and married Gemma almost three years ago.

They had two children together, Theo and Archie.

To donate to the GoFundMe page, click here.

Thames Valley Police said at the time that both the orange Megane and the white HGV were driving southbound, towards Basingstoke, at around 5.25pm on April 11.

Police have confirmed the driver of the lorry was not injured. No one has been arrested.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Darren Brown, of the Serious Collisions Investigating Unit, said at the time: “This was a tragic incident which resulted in the death of two men in the Renault Megane.

“I am appealing to any motorists who were also using the A33 at this time, to get in touch if they have any information relating to this incident, or if they saw anything.

“I am particularly appealing to any dash-cam users. Please review your footage and contact us if there is anything significant on it.

“I’d also appeal to anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the collision. Both were travelling southbound, from the direction of Reading, and heading out of the county and towards Basingstoke.

“Please contact 101 and quote 43210152016 if you can help. Or you can report online.”