A FAMILY have paid tribute to a “great dad” who died after his car crashed on the A127.

Christopher Taylor, 50, from Rayleigh, was on his way home with a takeaway as a treat for 23-year-old son Steven when he lost control of his black Vauxhall Vectra.

The car left the Southendbound carriageway, near the A130 junction, ploughed into bushes and landed on its roof.

Paramedics fought to save lorry driver Mr Taylor, but he died at the scene.

Steven, who lived with his dad in Hardwick Close, Rayleigh, said: “He had been visiting my mum, sisters and brother at their home in Basildon and was on his way home.

“I’d been tidying up the flat, so he said he was going to treat me to a takeaway.

“I was on my own at home when a bloke turned up at the door. I thought it was Dad, but when I opened it, it was a policeman.

“We really don’t know what happened.”

Police are still investigating the crash, just before 6.50pm on Tuesday, but say no other vehicles were involved.

Steven thanked the dozens of people who had got in touch with him, sisters Ashley and Nicolle and brother Billy, to pay tribute to their dad.

He said: “People are missing him. Even people I have never heard of are coming forward. Dad had a heart to match his size.

“He would help anyone out in any way he could – and always did. He was a truck driver through and through.

“He really did love being in a lorry. He was such a caring soul.

“Dad was much loved and will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues and anyone who knew him.

“He will never be forgotten.

He’ll always be remembered as the great dad he was.”

His sister Janet Ellis, 54, from Canvey, also paid tribute to the brother she described as “marvellous”.

She said: “He was a wonderful dad, brother, son, and uncle and a fantastic friend.

He knew so many people through his job. He would pass people on the motorway and wave.

“I will love him always. He was my best friend and my younger brother. He shouldn’t have gone. He was too young. It wasn’t fair.”

The A127 was closed until 11.45pm on Tuesday while police gathered evidence at the site.

They are now appealing to anyone who saw the accident, or saw the Vectra in the moments leading up to it.

Witnesses are asked to call, the serious collision incident unit, on 101, or email collision appeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.