Funeral of East Devon crash victim

DEVASTATED family and friends bid a final farewell to tragic Adam Hawkins, who died in a road accident just days before Christmas.

More than 100 mourners packed Otterton Parish Church to pay tribute to the 22-year-old, who was killed the night before his birthday and five days before Christmas.

The popular rugby player, who was a digger driver for City Plant Devon Ltd, was driving to his birthday celebrations when his car ploughed into the side of the Halfway Inn, near Aylesbeare, East Devon.

His brother Lee told the Echo how "special Addy" would be missed by his family and the many friends he had throughout the area.

And yesterday, mourners were moved to tears as Lee paid tribute to his "little" brother.

The 37-year-old said: "I was about 13 years old when Adam was born. I adored him from the first time I saw him.

"He had these big chubby cheeks and chubby legs and big dark eyes.

"I thought it would be difficult having a much younger brother but at times it could be very entertaining.

"My friends thought he was adorable as well.

"As he got older, he got much bigger and myself and his other brother Mark realised he was going to be a lot bigger than us and we weren't going to be able to tease him as much as we had done.

"As he grew in size, so did his heart and his thoughtfulness and understanding.

"Addy was a gentle giant, who protected his friends and family and was there for anyone who needed him.

"He had a way of making you feel at ease."

Lee told the congregation how Adam, of Lincoln Close, Feniton, loved his five-year-old daughter India, along with his nephews and nieces, Ashley, Emily, Corey, Rhys, Jess, Lily and Charley.

He added: "Addy was my best friend, but most of all my little brother. I will always love and miss him."

Rev Janice Cackett, leading the service, said: "I read on Facebook that Adam was a man who could turn a frown into a smile. He was someone who loved life and lived it to the full and showed great love."

Adam's parents, Michael and Susan thanked people for their letters, cards and personal messages of sympathy.

The service was played out by Tina Turner's Simply the Best.

Police are still trying to determine how the collision that killed Adam happened.

Officers are appealing to the driver of a dark coloured estate, which was overtaken by Adam's car, to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 08452 777444.