A DEVASTATED Chard family has paid heartfelt tributes to a “dedicated” and “loving” father who died in a crash near Ilminster last week.

Andrew Killeen was an inspiration to his family and has been described by his wife and three daughters as a “credit to the community” in his role as a first responder, driving in the carnival and tireless fundraising.

Friends and colleagues from the local community have been paying respects and sharing their memories all week of the man who touched so many and “had time for anyone”.

The fatal crash happened last Tuesday at around 3pm when the 47-year-old’s Saab was involved in a collision with a Toyota Rav 4.

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene on the B3168 at Seavington. Mr Killeen was air-lifted to Musgrove Park Hospital, but his injuries were too severe and he later died.

He leaves behind daughters’ Hannah, 21, Amber, 19, and Heidi, 16.

His wife Ann has been describing his active life, which was cruelly cut short last week.

She told The News: “Andrew started his career in the Royal Navy as an aircraft fitter and was lucky enough to see a lot of the world.

“With his youngest daughter he supported the racehorse re-homing centre and loved horses too.

“As a governor at Redstart School in Chard he took part in the appointment of the head teacher Suzanne Flack, whom he had a very high regard for.

“More recently, he supported the building of See-Saw Childcare, our family business in any way he could, from the role as care-taker, book-keeper – he was described as a father figure at times by a number of the parents.

“He was a credit to the community; especially in his role has first responder.

“We as a family will remember Andrew as an inspiration. As my husband he made all my dreams come true.

“As a father, he never stopped being selfless and entirely dedicated to us.”

Police would like to speak to anyone who saw the collision, or has information which could assist the investigation, please call PC Andy Grigg at the Collision Investigation Unit via 101 and quote log 475 of 13/1.