Tragic Car Crash Claims Life of 66-Year-Old Taxi Driver and 18-Year-Old Passenger, Family Mourns

THE family of an “immensely popular” taxi driver has paid moving tribute to his memory after he died in a horrific crash.

Christopher Bottoms, 66, died after he was involved in a head-on crash with George Herd, 18, who also sadly lost his life in the collision.

Christopher Bottoms, 66, and George Herd, 18, both died in a collision in EssexCredit: Alamy Christopher’s family described him as a ‘loving and caring’ family manCredit: Essex Police

The London cabby, who had spent 30 years in the Service, died on January 20 in Aveley, .

He had been driving a Kia Picanto when the crash occurred after one of the two vehicles crossed the carriageway lines and veered onto the wrong side of the road.

Christopher sadly died in hospital, while George, a passenger of the other car, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The black-cab driver’s family described him as “the type of person it was simply impossible to dislike”.

“Chris was a loving and caring ,” they said.

“There are no words that would do him justice when trying to describe him as a person, but we will try our best.”

His heartbroken family added: “Chris was a true family man and would do anything for his sons, Alex and Will, his wife Denise, and his mother Sylv.

“They enjoyed playing cards together, watching quiz shows, playing golf and indulging in his delicious home‑cooked food.

“His sense of humour was second to none, and his quick wit will be missed by all who knew him.

“He had the irreplaceable ability to make you feel safe and at ease, and would always offer sound and practical advice in a time of need.”

They told of his hobbies and interests following his retirement in 2020, spending the following years “travelling the world”.

He was also a keen sports fan and supported Upminster Club, where his sons played, and Sheppey United FC.

“The hole left behind by this tragic loss will never be filled, but the happy memories of him will stay with us forever,” they said.

“As a family, we would like to thank everyone who arrived on the scene, and the medical staff who did all they could for Chris and allowed us precious time to say goodbye.”

Teenager George also died in the tragic crash on Ship Road at 11.05pm on Tuesday January 20.

His friend who had been driving the Mini Cooper, also 18, was hospitalised with serious injuries after the collision.

Essex Police said: “An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing and is being led by our Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dashcam or other footage relating to this incident, please contact us and quote incident 1231 of 20 January.”

Inquests into the two deaths began at Essex Coroners Court in Chelmsford on Thursday.

The court heard the crash happened when one of the vehicles crossed onto the wrong side of the road.

Following the tragedy, George’s family described him as a “beautiful, kind and caring” person.

they said: “He cared for his grandparents and family when they were poorly, always offering cups of tea, running errands and asking if everyone was okay.

“He was always there for his friends in difficult times. He was exceptionally bright, with everything to live for. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

“George enjoyed the simple things in life, preferring the company of his family and his group of fabulous, like‑minded friends.”

George was a qualified accountant who had planned to start his own company, and he was one of six children with a brother and four sisters.

“He left our home that night happy and laughing, heading for a McDonald’s with one of his best friends. Four minutes later he was no longer with us,” they shared.

George’s heartbroken family added: “He was loved by absolutely everyone who met him. We will never recover from his loss and miss him terribly already.

Family recalled George as ‘exceptionally bright’ and ‘kind and caring’Credit: Essex Police