Long Eaton: Family pay tribute to Kial Thurman after fatal crash

Kial Thurman was known by family and friends as "Smiler"

The family of a man who died after his van plunged into a river following a crash with a lorry have paid tribute to a "beloved son, brother and uncle".

Kial Thurman, 31, from Long Eaton, Derbyshire, was involved in a crash in Lower Loxley, near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, on Friday.

Emergency services were called to Mill Lane at 15:55 GMT after the collision.

Mr Thurman, who played non-league football, died at the scene, Staffordshire Police said.

His family, who have been supported by specially-trained officers, described Mr Thurman as a "bright, creative, and kind young man".

A statement from the family read: "Our family are heartbroken at the devastating loss of Kial, who was a beloved son, brother and uncle.

"Rarely seen without a football by his feet, his loss will also be felt by the local football community. He was a bright, creative, and kind young man who would bring out the best in all those around him with his infectious personality, living up to his nickname from childhood of Smiler.

"Our lives will not be the same again without our truly amazing son, brother, nephew and grandson."

'Extremely popular person'

Mr Thurman had played football for Long Eaton United since he was a teenager.

A club spokesperson said: "[We] are devastated and saddened to learn of the passing of our player Kial Thurman.

"An extremely popular person who is one of the few who played for all the youth team ages, the U19s, the reserves and the first team.

"Kial played a massive part in the growth of the youth section and with his family offered support to the football club on and off the pitch."

Tributes have also been paid to the Mr Thurman across social media, with friends, family and former colleagues expressing their heartbreak.

One ex-teammate said: "[Kial] was all about friends and family. We had some amazing moments on the pitch but also some memories that will last a lifetime off it. You would enjoy life around him and live life in the moment."

Another tribute read: "No-one could lift a changing room like you could, it's gonna be difficult without you Kial."

His family has urged anyone that can help officers with the investigation to contact Staffordshire Police.