THE family of Ollie King who died in a road crash in Rayleigh have paid tribute to him describing him as a hard working man who loved life and was a devoted son.

The 22-year-old from Leigh was a passenger in a BMW coupe when it crashed into a telephone pole in Hockley Road in the early hours of Sunday.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the popular man who has been described as beinf fiercly loyal, funny and caring.

In a joint tribute his family said: “Oliver was born at Rochford Hospital. He attended Westleigh school and later King John senior school in Benfleet.

"He then attended the South East College where he studied IT.

"He was accepted into university and went to Anglian Ruskin where he studied IT. He completed a year of the course when he got a temporary job working in construction with Hilton Homes in Rayleigh. He enjoyed the job and decided to stay on for the winter months. He was a very hard worker.

"Oliver loved going to the gym. He was a bodybuilder and had a wonderful physique. Apart from the gym he loved spending time with his family as he was very family orientated. He was very protective of his mum. He was an only child and he adored his mum and nan.

"When he was young he loved playing rugby and played for Westcliff and then went on to play for Southend rugby club.

"Oliver was passionate about cars. He had been on a few car experiences where he drove an Aston Martín, Ferrari and a Jenson.

"His main goal in life was to be well off so that he could buy a big house and look after his mum.

"He had lots of friends and went socialising in Rayleigh and Leigh. He loved children and his cats, Arnie and Brucey, and he loved life.”

Oliver’s mother said: "He used to protect me all the time and I will miss that. He was a very handsome man but he was my baby first. He was a beautiful person with a very witty and great sense of humour. He had a big heart for everyone and I shall miss him so much. The whole family adored him and he will be greatly missed. He was taken too soon. I have a broken heart that I will have to live with for the rest on my days.”

Ollie was in the car with two female passengers aged 17 and 18. The driver, a 31-year-old from Rochford, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and has been released on police bail until May 23.