MORE than a thousand people have paid emotional tributes to a talented young guitarist who lost his life in a car crash at the weekend.

Hugely popular Ollie Naismith, from Looe, died after his car left the A38 near Saltash on Sunday morning.

The 19-year-old's devastated dad John told The Herald how the family had been left "heartbroken" by the tragedy.

But he said he was "staggered" by the amount of tributes that had flooded both Ollie's Facebook page and a memorial group on the website, which has been joined by over 1,200 people, many of them grieving friends.

Ollie, a former Looe Community School pupil, was enjoying a year out having completed a national diploma in music practice and performance at Truro College in the summer.

A keen surfer and football fan, he was known by most for his guitar skills, which he had learnt from the late Bodmin musician Al Hodge.

Former bandmates and colleagues at the Spar stores where he worked were also left devastated by the sad news.

Ollie leaves behind parents John, a police sergeant, and Maxine, as well as younger sister Tori.

John said: "We are absolutely heartbroken, but staggered by the amount of lovely comments left on his Facebook RIP page."

The family today issued a statement and said: "We are absolutely heartbroken at the loss of our Ollie.

"We have taken comfort from the avalanche of tributes that have flooded in for him.

"That his death has had such a devastating impact on so many reflects on the wonderful young man that we are so very proud to say is our son and Tori's big brother.

"May you rest in peace.

"Goodnight our beautiful, smiling, talented, cheeky legend that is Ollie xxxxxxxxx." 

Adding her own tribute on Facebook, mum Maxine wrote: "Goodnight my beautiful boy. I am heartbroken. I love you so much."

Bill Walker, programme team leader for performing arts at Truro College, said: "Ollie came to us with an established ability on guitar and proved to be an outstanding player in his college band.

"He was very well respected by all who knew him and the music staff are shocked and very saddened by this loss."

Ollie had played in the bands Stone Cold Sober and Between You Me and the Trees with three friends during his time in Truro.

Frontman Samuel Powell described him as "the greatest guitarist I have ever met".

He said: "Music was a big part of his life. He was the kind of musician who could create an amazing riff for a song at the drop of a hat.

"He could improvise beauty in any given circumstance."

Sam Tamlin, owner of the Spar stores in Princes Square and Bay View Road, where Ollie had worked for over a year, added: "Everybody is just in shock. He was a lovely chap and everyone here liked him."

Ollie, who had considered becoming an RAF pilot, was a fan of comedy films and sports such as rugby, tennis and cricket, as well as having played for Looe Juniors Football Club as a youngster.

He had celebrated his 19th birthday less than three weeks ago and was on a night out in Plymouth the evening before the fatal crash, having spent time with friends at bars such as Cuba and the Skiving Scholar in North Hill.

Ollie's blue Peugeot 206 left the Westbound carriageway at the Latchbrook estate, close to the Carkeel roundabout, at around 8.30am on Sunday.

The only occupant of the car, he was pronounced dead at the scene, and police say no other vehicle is believed to be involved.

The car was also spotted in the area between 5.15am and 5.30am that morning, say police, who are hoping witnesses who saw the vehicle at any time will get in touch by calling 08452 777444 and quoting log number 295 of December 6.

The road was closed in both directions following the accident and did not fully open until 6.40pm.

Ollie's friends have posted hundreds of tributes on Facebook and The Herald's website.

Tom Whitebrook wrote: "Can't believe you've gone – you were one of my best mates since playschool.

"I'm gutted that you won't be around anymore. You could always make me laugh and there would never be a dull moment with you around. I'll never forget you man."

Joelle Sayles wrote: "I can't remember ever being so upset.

"You were the most sociable and happiest person I knew."

Elizabeth Mellors wrote: "Looe is in shock. All my thoughts are going to everyone who loved Ollie."

Chalky White wrote: "Sleep well you legend. Such a shame to lose a talent that had only just begun to blossom.

"This couldn't have happened to a more honestly caring and kind heart. It has left a massive dent in many people's lives, but your smile will never be forgotten."

Lucy Clare wrote: "You were one of the nicest people I've ever known, always a smile."

Jake Butler wrote: "Words can't describe the gap you have left in our lives mate."

And Alison Humphreys added: "You touched the hearts of so many people.

"My heart goes out to all who were friends of yours, especially your family who will hopefully get some comfort from knowing what a fantastic guy you were and how greatly missed you will be."