Tributes have poured in for a 20-year-old man who was tragically killed in a New Year’s Day crash on the A404, near Marlow.

Friends of the man, who has been named locally as Jordan Coupland, described him as a “gentle giant”, with Debs Bowles saying: “The world is a sadder place without you.”

Speaking to the Bucks Free Press, Ms Bowles, whose son Kalam Bovingdon-Bowles was a good friend of Jordan’s, said the family had known the aspiring bodybuilder for years.

She said: “My son has been friends with him for years. He was also a car enthusiast.

“He was just a generally all-round lovely guy. He helped anybody. He was always the one to rely on for lifts because he never drank.

“He was a gentle giant – he looked scary because he was so big but he was so soft and gentle.”

Ms Bowles said Jordan had lost his father in an accident on the A404 in Amersham eight years ago “almost to the day”, and was brought up by his stepfather Jim.

The families are now setting up a crowdfunding page to help pay for the former Royal Grammar School pupil's funeral.

Ms Bowles added: “My son has lost a best friend and wants to give him the send-off he deserves.

“It’s such a shock – absolutely horrible. He was a likeable, loveable chap. He had so many friends.

“He would help anyone out and that’s the most heartbreaking thing about it.”

Kalam also paid tribute to his friend on social media, writing: “It still doesn't feel right, knowing I'll be driving past your house every day and not seeing your car parked up.

“It still won't sink in. I really have lost a best friend, you were like a brother to me.

“You were taken far too soon but heaven’s now gained another good one.

“I will miss not fixing your cars even in the rain when you wanted them to be done.

“You had so much going for you big man and you completed so much in the short time you had. I'm proud to call you my friend.

“Rest in peace my brother, until we meet again.”

Anytime Fitness High Wycombe, where Jordan was a member and worked out regularly, also paid tribute, with club manager Pittri Magnusen saying: “Jordan was a very dedicated young man.

“He was very well known figure in our gym, partly to due to his size but also his character.

“He was in the gym almost every day, most times twice a day and lived for fitness.

“All the hard work and effort was beginning to pay off as he recently won his first bodybuilding competition.

“Fitness and training for Jordan was more than just a hobby, it was a lifestyle and one that he took seriously.

“It was his commitment and hard work that made him such an inspiration to many others in the gym, even at such a young age.

“This young man will surely be missed, but will forever be an inspiration to us all.”

Royal Grammar School headmaster Philip Wayne said in a statement: “Staff and boys at RGS were very saddened to hear about Jordan’s tragic death. 

“A very popular lad amongst his peers, Jordan was a very gifted sportsman who enjoyed playing rugby.

“He was a member of the Wasps Academy and took part in the RGS rugby tour during which he not only played rugby well but also broke a weightlifting record at a performance centre – a great achievement. 

“We all send our sincerest condolences to Jordan’s family.”

To donate to the crowdfunding campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/debs-bowles.

- Did you know Jordan? Send your pictures and tributes to shruti.sheth@london.newsquest.co.uk.