Tributes To Soldier Killed In Car Crash In Essex

Emotional tributes have been paid to a paratrooper who was killed in a car crash in Essex.

Named by friends on social media as Brendan Williams, the member of the the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal House Artillery died when his Vauxhall Astra reportedly collided with a bus on the Coggeshall bypass in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He was cut from the car by firefighters but could not be saved.

A gofundme page has been set up by friend Joanie Lee who described him as a “massive character” in his friends lives.

With a target of £1000, she said the money raised would go towards flowers with any left over going to the Help For Heroes charity.

Tributes have been posted on Facebook and a page, In Memory of Brendan Williams, has been created.

Ash Farnworth wrote: “Can't believe one of the best lads I’ve ever knew has been taken away from us! Always had a smile on his face, always having a laugh and a great mate!”

Tom Wightman said he would miss his friend’s “quick wit and laughs”.

A number of colleagues have visited the scene of the fatal accident. 

They hung their maroon-coloured T-shirts on a line along with Parachute Regiment’s iconic military standard flag.

Michael Flegg described his colleague as one of the “most funny men I have ever met”.

The collision took place at around 5.40am on Saturday morning on the A120.