Tributes have been paid to an avid Manchester United fan who died after a crash in Northern Ireland.
Aaron Harkin, 25, had been travelling to a job near his home in Strabane when his Volkswagen Transporter collided with a cement lorry on Tuesday 7 December.
He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, whilst the lorry driver was taken to hospital for treatment.
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The dad-of-two had recently travelled back to Ireland having visited Manchester to watch his team play against Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday 2 December.
Mr Harkin had attended the game at Old Trafford with his partner Chloe and cousin Shane.
Glen Harkin, Aaron's older brother, told the M.E.N his family are waiting to hear from crash investigators to determine exactly how the horror accident occurred.
Heavy rain and strong winds of up to 80mph battered most of the UK last week, causing widespread travel chaos.
"All of this still isn’t really real for us," he said, speaking of the news of his brother's death.
Paying tribute, Mr Harkin said: "Aaron went from being a really shy boy to being the life of the party. He would chat to anyone.
"He was over in Manchester last week to watch Manchester United. He loved them play and would never miss a game.
"Aaron tried to come over to watch a game at least five or six times a year. He loved watching the last game against Arsenal.
"His favourite player was Fred."
A picture taken of Aaron at Old Trafford on December 2 has been widely shared on social media.
United fan, Jim Hunter wrote: "This is Aaron Harkin. The photo was taken in Old Trafford at last Thursday's game vs. Arsenal.
"Sadly Aaron died in a motor accident on Tuesday during Storm Barra. Sadly missed by everyone who knew him. True red."
Tributes have poured in on social media for the young plumber, who had been travelling between jobs when the crash happened.
Mr Harkin leaves behind his two young children aged five and one, his partner Chloe, two brothers and sisters and his mum.
Property Management Company, Nicor, who Aaron worked for paid a touching tribute on their Facebook page to their employee.
"Aaron passed away in a road traffic accident whilst travelling between sites," the post said.
"Like all our Team, during much of the Covid Pandemic, Aaron has continued to work in the most difficult of circumstances and the most challenging of environments for which Nicor are truly grateful.
"Within Nicor Aaron made friends easily in the team, because of the growing confidence he developed in his working career and his incomparable, much loved, sense of humour, which made him truly unique, as a friend and as a colleague.
"Our entire team, across all departments are proud to have spent these valuable years with Aaron and It is hard to believe the shy young man who walked through the door all those years ago became The Man, The Father, The Engineer we lost this week."
Dergview Football Club said: "We are devastated to hear the news about the passing of our friend and player Mr Aaron Harkin.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron's family and friends at this very sad time."
One friend wrote on Facebook: "Heartbroken. You were one of a kind my friend. Rest in peace Hark.
Another said: "Heartbreaking isn't even the word. My deepest sympathies to the Harkin family, Chloe and the babies.
Another wrote: "Still in absolute shock Aaron RIP I just can't believe it. Such a funny and caring man."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward.
"Police are appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision at Victoria Road, Ballymagorry, Strabane on Tuesday 7th December," a PSNI statement said.
"The driver of a white Volkswagen Transporter van, a man aged in his 20s, died as a result of the collision involving a red Scania cement lorry, at around 3.25pm.
"The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital where he remains receiving treatment. Victoria Road was closed overnight as enquiries were conducted at the scene, but has now re-opened."
