TRIBUTES have been paid to a young Irishman who died instantly when his car collided with a truck in Co. Tipperary.
Jake Anderson, 21, has been named as the victim of Monday night's horrific crash on the N24 in the townland of Ballingarrane.
Mr Anderson, from the village of Clerihan near Clonmel, was pronounced dead at the scene after his Volkswagen Golf collided head-on with a truck travelling in the opposite direction shortly before 8pm.
The driver of the truck, who is not from the local area, was brought by ambulance to South Tipperary General Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and shock.
Mr Anderson, who previously attended school in Clonmel, had been working as an apprentice pipe-fitter and was an avid rower at Clonmel Rowing Club.
The club said they were "devastated" to learn about the death of the "lovely, popular and cheerful" young man.
"We are all saddened to hear of the death of our former oarsman Jake Anderson, we offer our sincere sympathy to Seamus, Claire, Chloe and the rest of the Anderson family," a club spokesperson said.
"Jake first joined the club at 14 and was always so supportive and positive, especially to the younger rowers.
"He was a fantastic club member and just a lovely, popular and cheerful young man who came from a wonderful family.
"We're all devastated to hear what happened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Friends and loved ones of Mr Anderson also expressed their condolences on social media.
One wrote: "Seamus and Clare our deepest sympathy to u and all your family at this such sad time. May Jake Rest In Peace".
Another said: "Sad loss of a young life. RIP Jake my condolences to his family friends and all at clonmel rowing club".
A third added: "Condolences from vartry rowing club Wicklow RIP Jake and family and friends."
Investigation
Mayor of Clonmel Richie Molloy said weather conditions in Clonmel at the time of the accident were "atrocious" as he also paid tribute to Mr Anderson.
"The town is very shocked to hear that someone so young has died," he told the Irish Independent.
"The stretch of road where it happened is fairly wide, but the weather in Clonmel was atrocious on Monday night.
"My condolences and prayers are with his family during this very sad time."
Gardaí are trying to establish the exact cause of the fatal accident and the N24 was closed for a number of hours yesterday to facilitate an examination of the scene by Garda forensic collision investigators.
It is believed that the victim was travelling in the direction of Clonmel at the time and the truck was heading towards Cahir.
Funeral details for Mr Anderson are yet to be announced.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Clonmel Garda Station on 052 617 7640.
