FAMILY and friends continued to pay their respects to the "kind and loving" Sheldon 'Shellz' Thomas after he died in a car crash.

The 30-year-old from Northway died in hospital after the black Volkswagen Golf he was driving hit a tree in Parks Road at 5am on Monday morning.

Another man in his 20s remains at the John Radcliffe hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Shane Roche from Barton said his cousin Mr Thomas was a man who "loved his friends and family endlessly".

The 31-year-old added: "He loved life and was living life like a young man should. 

"Anyone who knew him only had good words to say about him. One year ago nearly to the day he supported me at my dad's funeral. 

"He loved his music, going to the gym and chilling with all his friends. He was so easy to get along with. I can't believe he is gone."

Mr Roche said Mr Thomas worked at Unipart, based in Garsington Road.
 

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A Facebook page called RIP Shellz Thomas, which has more than 340 members, was set up by friends who posted pictures of Mr Thomas, pictures of the flowers that have been left at the scene since the crash and their own messages.

Candles were lit at the floral scene and friends stood by in silence throughout the day to pay their respects.

Friend Ricky Anderson left a pair a basketball shorts tied to the fence.

On the Facebook memorial page, he posted a photo of the shorts and wrote: "These shorts are over 16 years old and I played in these week-in week out with you [Sheldon] on the court.

"I thought I would have these forever, but it only seems fitting that you Shellz Thomas take care of them until we can play again. Rest in peace."

Another post by Stefan Hamblin added: "RIP Sheldon, I don't know what to say really. It's so sad to know that you have gone, but you are forever in our hearts and you will be sadly missed by many who loved and cherished you.

"You made an impact to the world and it has stayed with us and we will continue even stronger. Heaven has gained another soldier buddy, miss you."

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Close friend Shelly Rossiter, of Oxford, said Mr Thomas was "an amazing man" who she "loved deeply".

The full-time mum added: "We would argue over who was Shellz one and who was Shellz two.

"He will always be my number one. He was the most honest, loving, humble man and I'm lost without him. 

"He was the best man I've ever met."

Flowers and candles were laid outside the railings near the scene of the crash yesterday with messages of "RIP Shellz" on them. 

Cousin Garry Roche, originally from Oxford, said he felt "numb" and had not slept since he heard of his death.

The 41-year-old, who now lives in Bedford, added: "He would do anything for anybody.

"He loved his family and had so many friends. He will be so missed.

"I'm gonna miss him."

Neighbour Georgina Gibbs, 52, said Mr Thomas was a "lovely man" who was very polite.

She added her son Jordan, 28, was close friends with him and that he was "devastated".

Ms Gibbs said: "It's just so sad, my son had to come home from work yesterday and he's so upset.

"He was such a nice man. It could have been my son, he was so young. Our condolences are with the family at this time." 

Another man, in his twenties, was seriously injured but is not thought to be in a life-threatening condition.

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The road was closed for about four hours while roads policing officers and other emergency services dealt with the incident and investigated the circumstances before it was re-opened at 9am.

Two ambulance crews from South Central Ambulance Service took both men to the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Thames Valley Police appealed for witnesses to come forward and help the investigation.

Investigations manager Dick Thorpe, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed this collision early yesterday morning or anyone who saw the vehicle travelling prior to the collision who has not already spoken to officers.

"They may have vital information to help our investigation into the incident which led to this man’s death."

Anyone with any information should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting URN 189 2/5.