The parents and fiancée of a man killed in a car crash have told of their “utter shock and disbelief”at his death.

Christopher Larkcom, 30, died after his car collided with a van on the B4027, between Islip and Wheatley, on Friday morning.

Parents Susan and Brian, from Fewcott, near Bicester, said Christmas would be cancelled while they attempt to come to terms with their huge loss.

Mr Larkcom, 60, of Ardley Road, said: “We are in utter shock and disbelief. He was a mummy’s boy really. I paid for everything. He knew if he asked me something and I said ‘no’, he would go to his mum and she would say ‘yes’.

“He was like any son. We looked after him and were still looking after him at 30-years-old. I had always done my best for him, but no one could help him this time.”

Christopher was due to get married to Jennifer McKie in May 2010 and was to celebrate his birthday on Christmas Eve.

The couple had been together for three and a half years and their daughter, Blossom, was born four months ago. Mr Larkcom also leaves behind another daughter, Jemma, 10, from a previous relationship.

Ms McKie, of Fritwell Road, Fewcott, said she would always remember Christopher’s cheeky smile.

The stable groom, who is studying to be a riding instructor, said: “He was my best friend. I am devastated. I can’t imagine life without him.

“I have been in shock and can’t really remember the last few days. I have been walking around in a blur.”

The 24-year-old said she was going to buy Christopher, who supported Chelsea Football Club, a new engagement ring for his birthday as he had lost his previous one.

Ms McKie, who attended Bicester Community College with Christopher, said: “He proposed to me at the start of my pregnancy. I am going to miss him so much, but I have to stay strong for our baby.”

Mr Larkcom, who worked as a HGV driver for Community Waste, at Enstone Airfield, was travelling in a red Peugeot 205 when it was in collision with a white Fiat Dobl`o van travelling in the opposite direction.

He suffered severe injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the van was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital with minor injuries.

Brian Larkcom, who runs R B Larkcom and Sons auto agricultural engineers, in Tusmore, said: “I have not the faintest idea why he was near Islip. He should have been at work but overslept.”

Mrs Larkcom, who works at Direct Farm Eggs Ltd, in Cottisford, was too upset to speak.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Anyone with information about the crash should call Sgt Bryan Smith at Bicester police station, on 08458 505 505.

bicester@oxfordmail.co.uk