The family of a Royal Navy serviceman have said their lives have been “shattered” after his death in a car crash.

Daniel Cox, from Chichester, tragically died when two cars collided near an air force base.

The 24-year-old was a pupil at Bishop Tufnell in Bognor and Felpham Community College, before going on to study at Chichester College and Shoreham Technical College.

He was also involved with the local scouting association and worked as a part-time lifeguard at Butlin’s and Arun Leisure Centre, before joining the Royal Navy.

Daniel’s family described him as a “thoughtful, talented and loving young man, taken from us far too soon”.

In a statement, they said: “Dan was an outstanding son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew and cousin who was devoted to his family.

“Over his years living in the Felpham, Middleton and Chichester areas, we have all been exceptionally proud of the endless talents he displayed, his many achievements and his positive attitude to life.

“He was a talented musician, keen outdoorsman, swimmer and cliff-jumper, a qualified engineer and avid car enthusiast.

“He had a ‘can do’ attitude to all physical and technical challenges, trying his utmost and always achieving.

“His wide circle of amazing friends are all shocked at this news and much suffering his loss.

“Our special thanks must go out to the Royal Navy for their unbounded support and care given to our family at this traumatic time.

“Like his, our lives have been shattered and will never be the same again.

“Dan was a truly multi-talented young man, taken from us far too soon, both loved and deeply missed by so many.”

Daniel died alongside 23-year-old Callum Gilbert from Helston in Cornwall.

The pair served with the 820 Naval Air Squadron and were based at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall.

Daniel and Callum were travelling along the A3083 near Culdrose before the crash, which took place just after 9.10pm on December 7.

An inquest into the pair’s deaths has been opened and has been adjourned to take place in full at a later date, likely to be at some point in the new year.