Widow pays tribute to husband killed in crash in sub-zero temperatures

The widow of a man who died when his van was in collision with a lorry in sub-zero temperatures has paid tribute to him, saying he was "loved by all".

Paul Cummings, 46, of Albany Road, Southampton, died following the collision involving his Volkswagen van and a lorry on the A34, near Tot Hill services.

Mr Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident happened at 7.18am on Thursday March 1, as the Beast from the East storm was beginning to hit the UK.

His wife Nicola said in a statement released through Hampshire police: "My husband Paul Anthony Cummings was tragically taken too soon.

"A beloved father to our beautiful son Joe, he was loved by all who had the privilege to meet him.

"He worked tirelessly to provide for our family and loved his job as a heating and ventilation engineer.

"Both myself and Joe have been overwhelmed by the wonderful wishes of condolence and the astonishing generosity of not only our close family, friends and colleagues but also by unknown well-wishers.

"This has been a great source of comfort at this most sad and difficult time.

"A page was set up in the memory of Paul by close friends and we have been taken aback by the level of love that we have received.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's friend and colleague, who was the passenger in the van, and his family at this time.

A police spokesman said: "Investigations into the exact circumstances of the collision are ongoing and officers would like to speak to any witnesses."