The mother of a man who was killed in a crash on the M11 has paid tribute to her son ahead of his funeral on Wednesday, March 28.

The service for Reece Gnazalo,22, will take place at 10am at Christ Church Sidcup, followed by a burial at Kemnal Park Cemetery. The wake will be held at The Montrose Park Club, also in Sidcup.

At the time of his death, Mr Gnazalo’s family paid tribute to him: “Reece Gnazalo was our beloved son whom was loved by all that met him.

“His beautiful smile and fantastic sense of humour will warm our hearts forever.

“Reece was the kindest person you would ever hope to meet.

“This news of his death is shocking to everyone that knows him. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest on Reece.”

Speaking to the News Shopper, his mother, Zoe Ezeh, added: "Reece was my son; my best friend; my life.

"I am forever going to miss him. There is nothing, nothing that can replace Reece in my life. And I am so, so happy that he came into my life and I had him for 22 years.

"Those were the best 22 years of my life and every day I will miss him. He will always live on in my heart.

"Life without Reece is just empty. Completely empty. I love you son, and I will always, always love you."

Mr Gnazalo was hit by a Ford Mondeo on the M11 after his own car, a BMW 318 Sport, sped out of control and hit a barrier at J7.

He was one of two people in the BMW who tried to cross the carriageway after the crash when he was hit the other vehicle.

Emergency services, including Hertfordshire Air Ambulance services, were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene on the evening of March 2.

A 22-year-old man from Bexleyheath has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has since been released under investigation.

Essex Police has renewed its appeal for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information can contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk