A fundraising appeal has been launched to support the wife and young son of a 37-year-old man who was killed in a crash on the M40.

Lukasz Wolski, from Banbury, died at the scene when his van collided with a lorry near Gaydon, at about 5.45am on Thursday (September 12).

The lorry driver was not injured.

Nearly £9,000 has been raised to an online crowdfunding campaign launched by family friend Magda Kwiecinska.

To help the family see the GoFundMe campaign see the website here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-in-memory-of-lukasz-wolski

Writing online, she said: "After a tragic accident on the M40 our beloved Lukasz Wolski, husband to Paulina, daddy to Kuba, son to parents and parents-in-law, and friend to many, passed away on the scene.

"We still can’t believe what happened. We are still waiting for him to come back home. Unfortunately, the next time we will meet him will be on the other side.

"He was only 37 years old."

She said the appeal which has a target of £15,000, would allow Paulina and Kuba to "focus on grieving" without having to worry about funeral expenses.

Ms Kwiecinska said: "At the moment we care about Paulina and Kuba to make sure they are not alone and everything for them is sorted.

"Unfortunately, the cost of everything now is very high, and we want to make sure that both of them – Lukasz's wife and son – are safe financially."

In a tribute, Ms Kwiecinska told the Oxford Mail: "He was a family man, such a loving, caring, and helpful person.

"He loves his son Kuba so much and his wife Paulina. Everyone loves him as he is a very bright person, always smiling and beautiful man."

Mr Wolski had lived in Banbury for 20 years.

She said: "It's such a big loss for everyone. I still can't believe he will never again knock on my door with that smile and say 'Hi, just been around' and pop in."

Friends described Mr Wolski as "a true legend".

Mariusz said: “Lukasz was an energetic young man that always filled the room with joy and laughter.

“You were like a brother to me and whenever I needed you, you were always the first person to be by my side.

"Even though we had to wait ages for you to arrive you always turned up. That's why you'll always be missed and maybe one day we'll meet again.”

Jakub added: “In loving memory of a true legend, Prawy, whose presence lit up every room. His warmth, humour, and spirit uplifted all who were fortunate enough to know him.

“The world feels a little dimmer without him, but his legacy of joy, kindness, and friendship will live on for ever."

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call 101 or visit www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report quoting incident 42 of September 12, 2024.