A ‘much-loved and gifted’ teacher has died following a crash in Great Warley.

Raul Canet-Espi, 36, of Southend, was the driver of a Renault Scenic, which was involved in a collision with a MAN truck on the B186 Warley Street shortly after 6.50am on Wednesday February 24.

He suffered life threatening injuries in the collision and was taken by air ambulance to the Royal London Hospital but sadly died last week of his injuries.

Mr Canet-Espi, who was a Spanish teacher at Ormiston Park Academy, in Aveley, was named as the victim of the crash by Essex Police yesterday.

The principal of the school, Huw Derrick, posted a heartfelt message on the academy’s website.

It read: “We are very sorry to have to share the news that Raul Canet-Espi, a much-loved and gifted member of staff, sadly passed away yesterday following a serious traffic accident last week.

“All of our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

“I know that students, staff and the wider community will be incredibly saddened today and it is important that we all pull together and support each other.

“The academy will provide every help that we can.

“I can speak for everyone in saying that we will always remember Mr Canet-Espi and the significant and valued contribution he has made to our academy and students.”

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Sgt Tanya Gorbutt at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk