THE parents of a 25-year-old father-of-one who died in a car crash hundreds of miles from home have paid tribute to a "wonderful happy-go-lucky dad".
Connell Cooke, from West Croydon, had celebrated his birthday only four days before his death. It was the last time he saw his family.
The former Ashburton Community School student grew up in West Croydon and Thornton Heath and was a well-known face at Yates' in Croydon High Street, where he worked as a barman.
Mr Cooke died when the van he was a passenger in crashed into trees in Moulsoe, Milton Keynes on February 5.
A 42-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed until April 30.
Connell's father, Derek Cooke, who lives with his second wife in Mitcham, recalled: "I got the call and I couldn't really believe what they were telling me. It was absolutely devastating, just total shock, it was absolutely awful.
"His mother Susan and I have not been together for a long time and I have been married to my second wife for 20 years but we're still good friends.
"I was at her house in 15 minutes with my youngest son and my wife. The police were there and all of Connell's brothers and sisters. We just spent the night hugging and crying."
Connell's funeral took place on February 28. Derek, a funeral director with Co-operative in Tooting, could not face doing the job himself. He said: "My colleagues ended up sorting out the funeral and they did a beautiful job.
"I couldn't believe how many people were at the funeral, hundreds, they were just spilling out onto the street. I always knew Connell was popular but I still couldn't believe how many people were there to say goodbye to him, it made me very proud."
The family left a white cardboard coffin at the funeral so that guests could leave a message for Connell. Derek said: "It's a good job we booked a double slot at the crematorium because it took half an hour alone just for everyone to sign it. It was a bit weird and wacky but we know Connell would have loved it."
"The last time I saw him he came to my house with his son for his birthday. His two sisters and his brother were there, we had a great day. We just didn't know that would be the last time we saw him. His mum also saw him the morning of the accident. He left the house and never came home."
A trust fund has now been set up for Connell's son, who the family have asked the Advertiser not to name.
Connell's mother Susan Cooke told the Advertiser: "I am truly devastated and can't put into words my feelings. As Derek explained we were amazed at how many lives Connell has touched and how many people attended his funeral.
"He was a devoted lover of Facebook and everyone was saying how funny he was and how they would log on to his page to see what weird and funny things he said. He was funny, easy going, happy-go-lucky and I could not have wished for a better son, I am so proud of him.
"He was a wonderful dad and doted on his little boy."
