A 21-YEAR-OLD who was soon to be a father for the first time tragically died following a car crash on Saturday.

Tributes have been paid to Drew Graham, who was described as a smiling, loveable rogue, after he suffered fatal injuries in the crash and had his life-support machine turned off on Sunday.

Drew, who was born Andrew Ireland, but changed his name, had been driving his BMW 318ti northbound on the A1 when it crashed into a tree close to the Bell Lane junction at Southoe at about 8am.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but pronounced dead at 3pm on Sunday, surrounded by close family members.

A family spokesman told The Hunts Post: “He was a lovable little rogue who had a real sparkle in his eye. He had such a positive view on life. Nothing could stop him doing what he wanted to do. He’s going to leave a huge hole in all our lives.”

Drew grew up in St Neots and had recently moved to Lime Grove to live with his partner Harriet Haggar. He was due to become a father to a baby girl in just seven weeks.

“He was living for that moment – Harriet and the baby were his life,” the spokesman said. “In seven weeks’ time he would have fulfilled his dream of having a baby girl and a life with them both.

“They were so happy together, and Drew was so looking forward to family life. Apparently at work and out with friends his topic of conversation was about his impending daughter.”

Drew, who had two older brothers and a younger sister, was on his way to work at Vindis Audi in Huntingdon when he crashed.

Staff at Vindi’s head office said he was a dedicated member of the team, and had nothing but praise for a young man “who made so many people smile”.

“What a lovely lad, we’ll miss his infectious smile, his helpfulness and his cheeky little ways. It is so very, very sad,” staff said in a statement.

Paul Phelan, head of business at Vindis in Huntingdon, added: “Andrew will be sorely missed, he brought a smile to work every day that was infectious and that spread through us all.”

Friends of football-mad Arsenal fan Drew have also been adding their tributes on Facebook. Drew became an uncle for the first time only the day before he died.

Shawn Ives, posted: “I so badly wish it never happened. I promise I’ll be there for Harriet and your little girl, and when she grows up I’ll make sure she knows what a funny, genuine and nice guy who would do anything for anyone her dad was.”

On Sunday evening the Kings Head pub in St Neots was packed with people who had gathered to remember Drew.

The accident has again raised concerns about the safety of the A1 between Southoe and Buckden, which includes a left/right bend heading north (and the opposite heading south)

Alan Marnes, chairman of Southoe and Midloe Parish Council, said the accident was “a tragedy for the family of a young man who died”.

“This is why Southoe and Midloe Parish Council continues to press for improvements to the A1 from Southoe to Buckden. The A1 safety group has been campaigning for improved safety measures for many years but are continually told by the Highways Agency that there is no money for the schemes we envisage.”

An investigation into the crash is ongoing. Anyone with any information should call Pc Jay Porter on 0345 4564564.