A teenage qualified accountant was among two people who have died after a devastating crash between two cars.
George Herd – described as ‘one in a million’ by his heartbroken family – had set out from his home to go to McDonald’s when his friend’s car collided with another vehicle.
The 18-year-old, who was one of six children and who planned to start his own accountancy company, died at the scene.
A 60-year-old man who was driving a Kia Picanto died in hospital subsequently.
The driver of the Mini that George was in, also 18, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries following the crash in Aveley, Essex.
George’s family described him in a tribute as a ‘beautiful, kind and caring’ person.
They added: ‘He cared for his grandparents and family when they were poorly, always offering cups of tea, running errands and asking if everyone was okay.
‘He was always there for his friends in difficult times. He was exceptionally bright, with everything to live for. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
George Herd – described as ‘one in a million’ by his heartbroken family – had set out from his home to go to McDonald’s when he was fatally injured in the car crash
‘George enjoyed the simple things in life, preferring the company of his family and his group of fabulous, like‑minded friends.
‘Being surrounded by his own comforts was where he was most content but he also loved quirky gaming, anime and WrestleMania.
‘He worked alongside his brother programming cars, which he really enjoyed, before returning to college.
‘He had qualified as an accountant and was part way through a business NVQ with a view of starting his own business.
‘George loved his brother Harry and four sisters Poppy, Daisy, Lily who he shared his birthday with, and especially his youngest sister Rosie with all his heart.
‘He really was the gentle giant of the family. He would have made an amazing husband and father one day and his life was just getting started. His honesty and integrity bordered on hilarity sometimes.’
Describing his last night, they said: ‘He left our home that night happy and laughing, heading for a McDonald’s with one of his best friends. Four minutes later, he was no longer with us.
‘His TV was left on and his computer was logged in, “farming”, awaiting a gaming tournament with his American online friends of five years. He was a gifted gamer who everyone wanted on their team.
George’s family described him in a tribute as a ‘beautiful, kind and caring’ person
‘He was loved by absolutely everyone who met him. We will never recover from his loss and miss him terribly already.
‘He was the ever‑consistent one in the family – the only one who never lost his phone, keys or bank card and always knew where everything was.
‘He was a kind gentleman with a love for our ponies, cats, dogs and animals.
‘His camera roll was full of photos of them. His outlook on life was love, laughter and being himself.
‘It will always be the day our lives changed forever, but as a tribute to him we will try to “be more George”.’
The tribute added George was ‘gifted’ with Asperger’s syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder and was ‘proud of who he was’.
The crash happened just after 11pm on Tuesday when the black Kia and blue Mini collided with each other near Thurrock Football Club.
The road was closed for some time while emergency services worked there and Essex Police officers gathered evidence, causing traffic chaos on the nearby A13 during the next morning’s rush hour.
A GoFundMe page set up to help his family has raised over £21,000 of the £24,000 target so far.
Organiser Cieran Exley said: ‘We are trying to raise funds for a send-off fit for George, a kind and gentle soul who has left a massive void in many of our lives.
‘His mum, Emma, is a hardworking, single parent of six beautiful, clever and successful children.
‘Needless to say she is absolutely devasted and we would like to try and ease the burden and worry of paying for a funeral as she continues to nurture and comfort his siblings whilst navigating through her own grief of losing a child. Something no mother should ever have to do.’
Locals offered online tributes, with one writing: ‘Remember George as a cheeky, smiling young boy.
‘Heartbreaking and sending lots of love to Emma and family xx Also thoughts go to the family of the other man who lost his life xx’
Another said: ‘Absolutely devastated for the whole Herd family and friends. The whole community is still in shock and feels so sad for everyone involved. Fly high George.
‘Thoughts are with the other man’s family too, as well as George’s friend x’
Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and police have asked anyone with information to come forward.
The force said in a statement: ‘If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.’
