A family have paid tribute to a “lively and vibrant” young father who died in a crash on the A27 this week.

Dante Murphy, 24, was driving eastbound between Falmer and Lewes when his BMW crashed, with two passengers injured.

Mr Murphy’s aunt Joanne Gray said the family are shocked and saddened by their loss as a fundraiser was launched for the funeral.

The Argus: Floral tributes at the scene on the central reservation of the A27Floral tributes at the scene on the central reservation of the A27 (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

She said: “This is an extremely challenging time for the family, as there are no adequate words to express the loss of his sudden passing.

“Please extend your love and grace to them as they navigate this together.

“Dante was a lively, vibrant person who was always willing to go above and beyond for those he loved.

“Thank you for your consideration and we greatly appreciate all the shares and donations.

“His family wants everyone to remember him for the strength, love and light that he shared within and with all those he loved.

“Thank you to all who can donate to help the family during this difficult time.”

Mr Murphy's car had just passed the Esso petrol station when it crashed at 3am on Tuesday, January 9.

The fundraiser has been launched to help pay for funeral costs and any remaining money will go towards care for his two-year-old son Hugo.

More than £2,500 has already been raised by 65 people since the GoFundMe (click here) was set up yesterday evening.

There were two passengers, a 24-year-old man and 19-year-old man, who were also from Seaford.

Sussex Police said the 24-year-old suffered serious injuries while the teenager suffered minor injuries.

The Argus: Police at the scene on Tuesday morningPolice at the scene on Tuesday morning (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

East Sussex Coroners Office confirmed to The Argus that an inquest will be held into Mr Murphy’s death, but no date has been set yet.

Floral tributes have been left near the scene of the crash. Hundreds of people have also paid tribute online to Mr Murphy.

The A27 was closed in both directions for almost 12 hours between Falmer and Lewes while forensics teams were at the scene.

It reopened at around 3pm on Tuesday.

The cause of the collision is under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to email police at collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Romsley.

Details of the fundraiser can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dante-murphy