The family of a man who died in a motorway collision last month have paid tribute to him.

Fahad Dek, aged 23 and from Enfield, sadly died during a collision on the M25 on Sunday 4 February. It happened between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans)

Fahad was travelling in a van which was involved in a collision with three other vehicles. A lady in one of the other vehicles also sadly died.

The driver of the van – Barancan Nurcin, aged 22, of High Road in Tottenham – has been charged in connection with the deaths and will be sentenced on Friday 31 May.

In a tribute to Fahad, his family said:

“Fahad, was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.

“He was a pillar of strength and was cherished by us all. Fahad’s infectious smile and laughter will forever echo in our hearts. Fahad’s presence, tragically taken from us, leaves an irreplaceable void. He will be eternally cherished and remembered.

“As the eldest among his siblings, Fahad exemplified grace and dedication, nurturing his brothers and sisters with boundless love and compassion.

“The sudden loss of Fahad has shattered the hearts of his grandma and great grandma too; they relied on his unwavering support. Their world has been torn apart, leaving them utterly shattered and adrift in a sea of grief. The emptiness left by Fahad’s absence is profound, and their pain immeasurable as they, struggle to navigate each day without his comforting presence by their side”.

The circumstances leading up to the collision are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct as officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the collision. The pursuit was quickly abandoned as the officers assessed that the risk of continuing was too high.

The criminal investigation has been led by Essex Police.