Family tribute to Elliott Sparks, of West Buckland, who died on A38 at Beambridge

Elliott Sparks, 35, died instantly when his Toyota Chaser hit a tree on the A38 at Beambridge, on the outskirts of Wellington on Sunday, March 28.

Elliott lived in West Buckland with his parents, Paul and Trina, and his fiancee Becka Abson, who he was planning to buy a house with.

His devastated father said from the family home in Dyers Close: "His philosophy was 'One life - live it'. He certainly did that.

"We're still trying to come to terms with everything.

"He was larger than life, an absolutely fantastic son, very caring. He'd do anything for anyone.

"He was so well-liked and had a fantastic circle of friends who are helping us through.

"One of his friends even jumped on a train in London and came down just to leave flowers at the crash site.

"Another said he'd only known 'Sparky' for five minutes, but 'what a wonderful son you have raised'."

Elliott, who had a brother, Craig, attended Sampford Arundel and West Buckland primary schools and later The Castle School, in Taunton.

He worked for Gwella as an asbestos removal supervisor.

From an early age, Elliott loved vehicles.

Paul said: "Even as a four-year-old he was able to ride a motorbike.

"He was not a great achiever at school but managed to get the qualifications he wanted and took a mechanics’ course in tech. He lived for driving.

"He passed his heavy goods vehicle test. We paid for that for his 21st birthday."

Elliott's family have paid tribute to the emergency services who were quickly on the scene following the tragedy.

"Everyone involved has been fantastic," said Paul.

"Unfortunately, due to Covid the number of people who can attend Elliott's funeral is limited.

"But we're hoping to be able to hold a tribute event for all his friends to attend at a later date."

Friends have started a GoFundMe appeal - the organiser Nik Chapman said: "He was always there for everyone, now let’s try and be there to help his nearest and dearest when they need us the most."