The grieving mother of a man killed in a horror crash on the M62 on his first day at work said today, 'he is not dead, but closing his eyes until I can be with him'.
Adam Afsar's mother Tish Peace spoke to the Examiner hours after her 34-year-old son and his best friend Jason Wilby, 27, were killed in a horrific crash with a driver going the wrong way on the motorway near Huddersfield.
Dad-of-two Adam was on his very first shift working for Dewsbury company Harris Pets Transport - and Jason was accompanying him as it was late at night.
The 22-year-old driver who was travelling the wrong way on the motorway failed a breathside road test. He was arrested and taken to hospital with a broken hand before being taken back into police custody.
Mother of three Tish, of Victoria Road, Dewsbury, said: "He was the eldest and the light of my life.
"His partner Katie Town-Jones came round this morning and told me. He and Jason were best friends and went everywhere together. I have not been able to see my son's body yet.
"I will remember him forever. I went to see Jason's mum today. She was what you would expect in these circumstances, she has lost her son."
A post mortem examination is expected to be carried out tomorrow.
The tragedy happened just three days after motorcyclist and dad Karl Chester, from Preston, was killed in another horrific accident on the eastbound carriageway of the M62, near J22.
Meanwhile Adam's devastated partner Katie, of Parker Road, Dewsbury, told the Examiner she was too upset to talk as she consoled her seven-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son.
Neighbour Bulia Ashraf, 55, said: "I had known Adam for 10 to 15 years. He was a really lovely lad and a very nice man.
"He was a family man. If you needed help he would always help you. It has come as a shock to my entire family.
"We can't take it all in."
Another neighbour who didn't want to be named added: "I have known him for four years and this has really knocked me back. I was absolutely gutted. He was a keen motorbiker and a really nice bloke.
"I just feel really sorry for Katie and their two kids."
A relative of Jason's said: "Today has been a very hard and emotional day for my family losing our Jason Wilby and his friend Adam. He was the softest, most loyal person I know and he is gonna be sadly missed everyday. You will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You were a true gentleman. Love you Jason."
Harris Pet Transport posted on Facebook: "Last night we lost 1 of our drivers & his friend in the horrific M62 motorway accident. Our deepest condolences to the deceased's family & friends. This is an extremely difficult time & we pray they rest in peace."
Adam and Jason were found dead in their white Skoda Octavia after the tragic crash with a black Vauxhall Insignia, near to Junction 26 at Cleckheaton, at 2.34am.
West Yorkshire Police said the insignia driver was arrested at the scene for causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
They said they received numerous reports from concerned drivers in the area ahead of the crash.
They were first told that a vehicle was spotted going the wrong way down the carriageway.
Then they received a report of a crash which proved fatal.
In a statement West Yorkshire Police said: “Police were called in the early hours of this morning to reports of a serious road traffic collision on M62.
“At 2.34am on Monday 2 April, officers received a report of a vehicle driving the wrong way down the M62; travelling eastbound on the westbound carriageway at junction 26.
“Further calls to police reported a collision on the carriageway – officers attended and located two vehicles on the motorway.
“The vehicles involved were a white Skoda Octavia and a black Vauxhall Insignia.
“Two males, aged 34 and 27, were found deceased in the white vehicle.
“A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene for causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody at this time.
“Anyone with any information about the collision is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting log number *212 of 2 April.”
Fire crews from Rastrick and Cleckheaton stations were called to assist in the aftermath, but later left the scene after assisting so police investigation work could continue.
