Loved ones of a young man who tragically died after a crash in Gateshead have set up a fundraiser in his memory.
Sam Johnson, 25, from Jarrow, was involved in a collision on the A194(M) eastbound on Sunday morning, November 21.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries and sadly died later that evening.
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Sam's family have paid tribute to their "much-loved son" and said his death will leave a huge hole in everyone’s lives.
A fundraiser has now been set up on the website Just Giving to raise money for Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary in Sam's memory.
The fundraising page has already raised more than £5,000 since it was launched on November 23.
Sam, who was a "loyal Newcastle United fan" and a first-class honours graduate of Northumbria University, had been in the final stages of his accountancy professional qualification before he died.
On the page, he has been remembered as "one of the kindest, funniest and most genuine people" anyone has ever met.
The tribute to Sam on the page said: "In the early hours of Sunday, November 21, Sam was involved in a road traffic accident.
"He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where he received critical care but tragically passed away due to his injuries, surrounded by his family.
"Sam was one of the kindest, funniest and most genuine people any of us have ever met and will be missed by all those who loved him.
"He will never be forgotten by anybody who had the fortune of meeting him.
"We would like to raise funds to donate to the RVI in Newcastle.
"The care and attention they gave Sam will always be appreciated by family and friends and it would be an honour to donate towards such a tremendous cause in Sams memory.
"Thank you in advance for any donations no matter how big or small."
Northumbria Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The driver of the HGV remained at the scene and is supporting officers with their investigation.
Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police, said: “Every death on our roads is always incredibly sad, but it is especially poignant when it involves somebody so young – and who had his whole future ahead of him.
“We will continue to offer Sam’s family any support they need and would ask everyone to respect their privacy as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.
“We are determined to find out what happened in the moments immediately before this collision, and would continue to ask any witnesses – or anybody with information that they think could assist our investigation – to get in touch.
“If you were travelling in the area at the time, and have yet to do so, please come forward and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101 quoting reference NP-20211121-0251.
To donate to the fundraiser visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/samjohnson25
