Harry Smith, 33, from Worcester, died when a silver BMW and a red Vauxhall Astra crashed at Eckington Bridge, Worcestershire, at around 4am on Friday and the BMW plunged into the River Avon. He was pulled from the water but died at the scene, West Mercia Police said. A 38-year-old Worcester man, who managed to climb out of the water, was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and drug driving. He was released under investigation. Police said another man, who was traveling in the Astra, suffered minor injuries. They are trying to confirm who was driving the BMW. “Harry was the light of the party and would do anything for anyone” Police, West Midlands Ambulance Service and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene. The bridge has now reopened with a temporary weight and speed limit. Tributes from Mr Smith’s family, released by police, said he would be missed as a devoted father to four boys and two girls and as a son, nephew, brother and friend. His mother Shirley and her partner Gerry said: “Harry was the light of the party and would do anything for anyone. “We would like to thank all those who made light of this sad moment. Harry will have a miscarriage for a king. “I miss you so much boy, I love you so much, my heart is broken.” “I will never stop loving you Harry” His father, also called Harry, said: “My little angel, I will cherish the memories we made. I will love you forever.” Mr Smith’s friend Sophie said: “I’m so sorry Harry, I wish I could have been there to help you, you were a wonderful dad to our two girls Tallulah and Valencia, you adored them. “I will never stop loving you Harry, I will miss you so much. It’s not goodbye, I’ll see you soon.” In a joint statement, his siblings added: “He was a role model and we can’t believe it happened. “Our hearts are broken and our minds are empty wish we were there to help you. We will never have another chance to make new memories. “We never got a chance to say goodbye but until we see you on the other side, gone but never forgotten, we will always love you.” His uncles, Lenny, Kojak, Eddie and Gags, said: “He wasn’t just our nephew, he was our brother.” The family asked everyone to avoid speculation on social media and respect their privacy.
