A dad died in a horror five-vehicle crash and his new bride is fighting for her life just weeks after they got married.
Postman Alex Firth was pronounced dead at the scene after his car was crushed in a major pile-up involving a HGV in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, on Sunday afternoon.
Wife Kirsty was airlifted to hospital along with her husband's 10-year-old son, from his first marriage.
The couple, in their 30s, tied the knot last month and were preparing to go on their honeymoon at the time of the accident.
The proud groom, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, had posted wedding photos on social media.
Best man Christopher Moscrop said his life feels "empty" without his close pal.
"The past days have been so hard to swallow," he wrote on Facebook.
"You were my best friend, who I could always talk to and laugh [with].
"I'm happy you were in my life.
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"I'm proud I was your best man at your wedding and godfather to your son.
"I will cherish the memories we had together I will never forget you, the hole in my heart will never fully heal.
"I loved you, dude. Rest in peace, my friend, my brother."
In a separate post, he added: "I cannot describe how I feel my life will be empty without you.
"I'll try and do what I can for your son and I hope all the best for Kirsty and help her if I can. See you around Alex - life will not be the same."
Alex's young son remains in hospital.
His grandfather Stuart Popple wrote: "Such sad news and a tragic waste of a precious life.
"Alex - you were a No1 dad to my oldest grandson, who loved you to bits, still does, and always will. I can’t thank you enough for such a special gift.
"I promise you this, I could never replace you, but I will do my very best to help bring your son up properly, experiencing love and happiness, as you have done this far.
"I will be forever there for him and will do my best to answer all his questions and help your memory to live on.
"My condolences to Alex’s family and friends. Kirsty, I wish you a speedy and full recovery. Lots of love."
Alex’s colleagues at Seacroft Post Office in Leeds have also paid tribute on Facebook.
Kelly Steele said: "Every time I saw you at work you were always wearing a smile. Such a good lad. Thinking of your family and friends."
South Yorkshire Police have been appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward since the crash, reports LeedsLive.
A spokesperson for the force said: "On Sunday 3 April at around 1:30pm, officers responded to a collision involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) and a number of other vehicles on Claycliffe Road, Barugh Green, Barnsley.
"The driver of a Vauxhall Astra involved in the collision, a man in his thirties, suffered serious injuries and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.
"The front passenger in the Vauxhall Astra, a woman in her thirties, was conveyed to hospital via ambulance with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.
"The rear seat passenger, a 10-year-old boy, was also conveyed to hospital with serious injuries, and is now in a stable condition.
"It is believed that a red Mini, a white Mercedes and a black Kia were also involved in the collision, alongside the HGV. None of the occupants of these vehicles received serious injuries during the collision.
"Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dash cam footage of the collision or cars prior, to call 101 quoting incident number 407 of 3 April 2022.
"Any footage can be emailed to enquries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk with the incident number in the subject line."
