TRIBUTES have been paid to a former University of York student who died in a car crash after moving to start a new life with his family in Lincolnshire.

Matthew Aubrook, 22, a father-of-two, was killed earlier this month when his Ford Focus hit a wall at Great Gonerby, near Grantham.

He is understood to have moved to the Grantham area with his wife and children to pursue a career in human resources, after graduating from York in 2010.

Prof Quentin Summerfield, head of psychology, where Mr Aubrook studied at the University of York, said: “All members of the department of psychology at York were deeply saddened to learn of Matthew Aubrook’s untimely death.

“Matthew came to York with a reputation for being intelligent, hardworking, warm and friendly. He lived up to that reputation and graduated in 2011 with a very good degree.” Local media in Grantham also ran tributes to Mr Aubrook, from his employers Totemic, where colleagues were said to be “devastated”.

Human resources manager George Ryans is reported to have said: “Although Matthew was only with us a short time, he met many people who will miss him as a work colleague and friend.

"Matthew left behind a widow and two young children and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.” No other vehicles were involved in the incident, which happened at 9pm on Friday, January 11. It is understood to be the second death this month on Lincolnshire’s roads. A police investigation is currently under way into the cause of the tragedy.