Tributes paid to 'devoted' dad who died in crash

Family and colleagues of a '"devoted" and "hard working" husband, father and son have paid tribute to him after he died in a crash in Shropshire.

Kuljit Singh Uppal, 39, from Telford, died on Tuesday 11 August after a car crashed into a tractor on the A41 near Newport. He died at the scene, said police.

His family described him as someone who worked "incredibly hard" and spoke of the "devastating loss" his death had brought.

A 30-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has since been released on bail and inquiries continue.

In a tribute released through West Mercia Police, his family said: "He will be desperately missed."

Uppal, who was chief operating officer at the Wolverhampton-based School of Coding & AI, was described as a loving husband to his wife Jas and father to their two young children, aged five and two.

His wife said: "Everything Kuljit did was rooted in his determination to create a better future for our family, and he had a real passion for helping young people.

"He was also deeply committed to his work and cared so much about helping others and making a difference. He gave us so many reasons to be so very proud of him.

"Kuljit always went above and beyond for everyone, a truly selfless individual putting others before himself. I am honoured to call him 'my person'."

Uppal, the youngest of three children, was described as having an "infectious" smile by his parents.

They said: "Kuljit had the most infectious smile and a truly unforgettable way about him. Wherever he went, he brought people together, and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in everyone whose life he touched.

"We feel so lucky to have had the honour of raising such a beautiful soul, even for the short time we had him. His bright mind and kind heart will live forever."

School of Coding colleague Manny Athwal also paid tribute to his "wonderful" and "respected" friend of 26 years.

Athwal said: "He was a pleasure to work with and hugely respected by everyone who knew him.

"He was a core part of the leadership team and deeply cared about other humans. He added so much value to School of Coding and to other people's lives, the whole team will miss his wonderful presence."

West Mercia Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to get in touch.

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