Sam Jones's mum: We have a huge Sam-shaped hole in our hearts

Sam Jones (also known as ‘Krop’) was killed along with Nicoletta Tocco, Sam Kay and Brogan Warren after a head-on collision on the A420 near Shrivenham on May 22.

The four were returning from a food festival they had visited together in Bristol and were extremely close friends.

Sam’s mum Karen has released a statement through Thames Valley Police that paints a picture of strong family bonds and a sizeable number of friendships.

Mrs Jones said: “Our hearts have been shattered. We are devastated. The pain is indescribable and we cannot come to terms with never seeing him again.”

Described as the baby of the family, Sam was the youngest of three sons, his brothers being Ben and Kane.

The statement talked of Sam’s adoration of his nephew and niece, Zane and Morgan, who he missed dearly when he was away travelling.

He had only just returned from travelling around New Zealand and was planning to return in his VW camper van to Croatia - somewhere he intended to live at some point - with friends in August.

Mrs Jones paid tribute to Sam’s friends, thanking them for their kindness.

She said: “He had a pure heart of gold and the most wonderful friends surrounded him.

“The messages and support we have had from family and friends has been incredible and has helped us to get through the past week, knowing they knew Sam how we knew him - always supportive and full of love.”

Mrs Jones finished with the hope that the four friends are with each other: “We hope the four beautiful friends are together on the other side and will be finding their paradise on a beach somewhere in the sun, where they can party forever and have their music as loud as they want.

“As one of his friends said, ‘We are left with a huge, Sam-shaped hole in our hearts.’

“He always hugged us and told us he loved us whenever he saw us or in a text. He knew how proud we were of him and how much we loved him. We are so glad he was living the life he loved, travelling and always so very happy.”