'We were like brothers': Friend's tribute to crash victim

The devastated friend of a man who died in a crash on the A46 said they were like brothers.

Mr Michael Connor died in the single-vehicle incident on the southbound carriageway at Syerston, just before 4.35am on Saturday.

The 31-year-old, from New-ark, was a popular colleague at Knowhow where he worked as a laptop engineer.

A fundraising page has been set up to help Mr Connor’s family with funeral costs.

It has so far attracted donations totalling more than £1,300.

A tribute was paid by Mr Adam Varnam, who said he had struggled to cope with the loss of his best friend.

“He would do anything for anyone,” said Mr Varnam. “He would never hurt anybody’s feelings.

“We were like brothers. I used to pick him up on my way in to work, we sat next to each other at work, and we were good friends too.

“He was into golf, driving cars, and definitely into Manchester United. He even took me to my first Manchester United game only three or four weeks ago. I’m not big into football but I loved it.

“There was not anybody who could say a bad word about him.

“Everybody is just shocked and cannot believe it.

“When I found out, I was crying, I wasn’t able to eat.

“I’m still trying to get my head around it, but it’s hard.

“There will be hundreds of people at Knowhow who will know Michael and he was always having a laugh and a joke.

“Even when I drive into Newark, I struggle, because I think of him.

“Whenever I came to Newark it was either to work, or to see him.”

Among the comments posted on the JustGiving fundraising page, Annie Binns said: “So hard to believe. Another young life taken from our work family. Thoughts are with his family.”

Myles Wain said: “He was a great guy and will be missed by lots of people. Made me laugh my head off more times than I can count.”

The fundraising page is here.