The family of a 23-year-old man killed in a crash on the M25 have paid tribute to “a pillar of strength” with an “infectious smile”. 

Fahad Dek, from Enfield, was one of two people killed during a four-car collision on the M25 on Sunday February 4. 

Zoe Hawes, a mum from Canvey Island in Essex, was also killed in the crash. 

The crash took place at around 4am between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans).   

Barancan Nurcin, 22, of High Road in Tottenham, has pleaded guilty to causing both of their deaths by dangerous driving. 

Fahad was a passenger in a van driven by Nurcin. 

Echo: Fahad Dek was 23 when he diedFahad Dek was 23 when he died (Image: Herts Police)

Fahad’s family said: “Fahad, was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin. 

“He was a pillar of strength and was cherished by us all.  Fahad’s infectious smile and laughter will forever echo in our hearts.

“Fahad’s presence, tragically taken from us, leaves an irreplaceable void. He will be eternally cherished and remembered. 

“As the eldest among his siblings, Fahad exemplified grace and dedication, nurturing his brothers and sisters with boundless love and compassion. 

“The sudden loss of Fahad has shattered the hearts of his grandma and great grandma too; they relied on his unwavering support. 

“Their world has been torn apart, leaving them utterly shattered and adrift in a sea of grief.

"The emptiness left by Fahad's absence is profound, and their pain immeasurable as they, struggle to navigate each day without his comforting presence by their side”. 

Zoe Hawes was travelling to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th birthday when she was killed in the crash. 

Echo: Zoe Hawes, who was killed in an M25 crashZoe Hawes, who was killed in an M25 crash (Image: Herts Police)

Her family have since paid tribute to a “wonderful mummy and nanna” who was the centre of their family.     

They said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.   

“She was a very much loved mum, step mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna. She was a friend to many.   

“She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband. Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate.   

“We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.    

“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.    

“We love you and will miss you forever xx”. 

Nurcin appeared at St Albans Crown Court last Tuesday (March 26) where he pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. 

He also admitted being unlicensed and uninsured. 

Nurcin was driving a white Citroen Dispatch van which collided with a silver DFSK 580 Glory, a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008. 

The circumstances leading up to the collision are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as officers in a marked vehicle had been in pursuit of the van shortly before the collision. 

The pursuit was quickly abandoned as the officers assessed that the risk of continuing was too high, Hertfordshire Police said.