THE family of a young man who was killed in a car crash on Christmas Eve have described him as a "beautiful soul".

Ryan Gleeson from Horsham died on Thursday evening after the car he was travelling in collided with a tree off Washington Road in Steyning.

Writing on social media, the 21-year-old's mother Helena Burchell described her son as "the most loving, kindest, caring son anyone could have asked for".

READ MORE: Man dead after car collides with tree on Christmas Eve

She wrote: "On Christmas eve my baby Ryan Gleeson - my world, my life, my everything, was taken away from me. I just can't put into words how I feel.

"My heart is just broken. I just can't imagine my life without him."

Ryan's stepmother Kathia Gleeson has set up a GoFundMe crowdfunding page to offer support to his parents to help with funeral costs.

Paying tribute to her stepson on the page, she wrote: "Ryan was a beautiful soul whose smile lit up the room wherever he went and is so loved and adored by his family,friends and partner.

"No words can explain the loss and the heartbreak we are feeling. 

The Argus:

"Nothing can fill the hole that this tragic loss has and will leave in everyone's lives.

"Funds raised will be for the best send-off and memorial Ryan deserves."

So far, more than £5,000 has been donated to the fund, with many people leaving tributes to Ryan on the page.

One person said "heaven has gained a beautiful angel" while another described Ryan as "such a lovely lad".

To donate to the crowdfund, visit the GoFundMe page here.

Police are still investigating the crash and are appealing for any witnesses to the collision. 

Anyone with information is urged to email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101, quoting Operation Finchley.