Purleigh: Tributes paid to much-loved man after fatal collision

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved young man following a fatal collision.

Detectives continue to investigate the single-vehicle collision, which took place in Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, at around 2am on Monday 6 January.

Tragically, 21-year-old Thomas Chapman, from Brentwood, was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Brave, strong and intelligent'

Paying tribute to him, his family said:

“Tom was a loving and much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.
“There are not enough words to describe Tom.
“He was brave, strong, intelligent, funny, kind, stylish, adventurous, playful, charismatic, compassionate, sporty, spirited, handsome, protective, thoughtful, captivating, loyal, determined, ambitious, resilient, compelling, unique, eternal.
“Aged just 21, Tom graced the world with an infectious smile and energy for life, touching hearts and making an impact wherever he went. He was filled with energy, ambition and had planned to work and travel overseas.
“He was an avid sportsman, footballer, golfer and gym fanatic and recently completed a Tough Mudder in support of a national charity.
“Above all, Tom was a good and kind man who loved and protected the people in life. He will be missed beyond measure but forever remembered.
“The family request privacy at this difficult time.”

A man, aged in his 20s, from Brentwood, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

He has been released under investigation while our enquiries continue.

We would continue to appeal for anyone with information or dash cam footage which could assist our enquiries to come forward.

You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

It can be found at the bottom right of our homepage at www.essex.police.uk.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

Please cite reference 42/2246/25.

Help us reduce road collisions and casualties in Essex and make our roads even safer. Report instances of poor and dangerous driving through Safer Essex Roads Partnership's Extra Eyes initiative.

More than ever, irresponsible, dangerous and illegal road behaviour is being recorded by road users. Through Extra Eyes this footage can be sent to, and reviewed by, an investigator within Road Policing at Essex Police.

Find out how by visiting Safer Essex Roads Partnership website.