TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad-of-one who died following a two-vehicle crash on the A31 near Alton last Wednesday.

Nicholas Davey, 28, formerly of Alton but now of Coopers Road, Guildford, died as a result of the injuries he sustained following the collision.

The incident took place at around 3.45pm on the eastbound stretch of the dual-carriageway, between the junction with the A339 at Chawton and the Holybourne roundabout.

The collision involved Mr Davey’s grey Suzuki Swift and a silver Audi A4.

Mr Davey was flown by air ambulance to the major trauma unit at Southampton General Hospital but died next day from his injuries.

According to South Central Ambulance Service, who also sent a rapid response vehicle and a hazardous area response team to the scene, a toddler, believed to be between 18 and 24 months old and who was travelling in Mr Davey’s car, was taken to Southampton General Hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the Audi, a 55-year-old woman from South Wonston, was taken to North Hampshire Hospital in Basingstoke suffering from chest injuries.

A popular member of staff at Headcase Barbers on Swan Lane, Guildford, Mr Davey’s colleagues and friends shared heartfelt tributes and messages of condolences on social media.

One wrote: “Words cannot express how heartbreaking it was to hear about Nick Davey last night. From the moment I saw you stencilling storm troopers to the ceiling, I knew we would be friends.”

From his Alton days, another friend wrote: “I’ll always remember our Alton United days and all the laughs we shared through school.”

On Monday, Mr Davey’s family paid tribute. In a statement, they said: “Nick was a much-loved son, brother and a doting father who leaves behind a young son. He was a quirky young man and a talented barber who had a huge zest for life and a kind and generous heart. As a family, we are heartbroken and will miss him terribly.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the motorists who stopped at the scene to help, all the emergency services, including the air ambulance and staff at Southampton General Hospital, whose care and compassion helped at such a difficult time.

“We have been deeply touched by all the messages of condolence and the lovely tributes paid to Nick.

“Anyone who knew him couldn’t fail to be aware of his love of all things Star Wars. May the Force be with you always, Nick.”

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone who can should call 101, quoting reference 44170087834, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

* A crowd-funding bid has been launched to raise £2,000 to help support the family, in particular his son. Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nickdavey.