TRIBUTES have been paid to a landscaper who died in a crash.

Kyle Martin, of Bradfield Heath, was killed when his Volkswagen Polo crashed head-on with a BMW 318 on Brickman’s Hill, between Bradfield and Mistley.

Kyle was pronounced dead at the scene..

A man, 51, from Clacton, driving the BMW, was taken to Colchester General Hospital with a facial injury.

A man, 25, driving a Honda Civic car behind the Polo was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed without charnge until Monday, February 3.

Kyle worked as a landscape supervisor at Greengrass Ground Maintenance in Brantham.

Nick Cheetham, managing director, said: “He was well known for living life to the full and this showed in his personality.

“He was a quick witted character and was always made us laugh.

“He had met the girl of his dreams, made a home for himself and finally passed his driving test.

“Kyle was so popular. He will be missed by all that had the privilege to have known him.”

Mr Cheetham met Kyle in 2008 and took him under his wing.

He described him as a perfectionist who was loyal to the company and extremely hard working.

He said: “He started working for me on a casual basis when I was starting my company.

“As time went on the business grew from strength to strength and so did Kyle.

“He soon became an asset to me and my company and became a full-time employee.

“Kyle not only became a work colleague but also a great friend to not only me and his colleagues.

“I took him under my wing and we supported each other through the good and the bad times.”

Mr Cheetham paid tribute to Kyle’s sense of humour.

He said: “He would often have a cheeky smile on his face and you never knew until you got home what he had done.

“Both in and out of work he would go over and above his duty to help others and offered a friendly face to all that met him.

“Kyle had his fair share of ups and downs through his short life but over the last few months it was onwards and upwards.

“He was a big part of my life and I will never forget the times we had together.”

Mr Cheetham offered his company’s condolences to his family and friends.

The crash happened on Thursday at 10pm.

Part of the road was closed for six hours while forensic collision investigators tried to identify the cause of the crash.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01245 240590 or e-mail collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.