THE family of a man who was killed after he was hit by a car have paid tribute to their kind-hearted son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew.

Essex Police has named the victim of Sunday’s incident as 23-year-old Andrew Cheffins.

Mr Cheffins, who worked at Tes2000 in Colchester, was found on Braintree Road, Halstead, at 2.30am after being hit by a car.

In a statement, his sister Madelynn, said: “Today life has played one of the cruellest tricks imaginable.

“We have lost our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend in a tragic accident.

“Andrew was a beautiful, kind-hearted, gentle soul who would do anything for his family and friends.

“Andrew was truly unique, literally one in a million, with some weird, yet wonderful ways but we wouldn’t have wanted him any other way.

“Words can’t describe how much we’ll miss him.”

Mr Cheffins’ aunt, Alex Cheffins, is asking for donations to help the family with funeral costs.

A Facebook page has been set up for the fundraiser and by Wednesday more than £2,800 had already been raised.

In a post on Facebook, Ms Cheffins said: “On April 1 my nephew was tragically killed and we are trying to raise funds for his funeral to take the pressure off his family.

“Any donation is greatly received.”

It is hoped £3,000 will be raised.

Mr Cheffins was believed to be lying in the road when he was struck by a car near a building site along Braintree Road.

Police and the ambulance service attended the incident but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A white Volkswagen Up was forensically recovered as the road was closed to traffic for more than seven hours.

Police are continuing their investigations into the incident and are appealing for information about Mr Cheffin’s movements in the hours leading up to his death.

Sgt Adam High, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and condolences go out to the family of the man.

“Enquiries are continuing into the circumstances of the collision and we are keen to speak to witnesses or anyone who was in the area at that time.

“Please come forward if you have some information which could help.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.