His family released a statement which said: “We are shocked at the sudden tragedy of Andrew Robert Small who has been taken from us way too soon.
“He was a devoted partner, brother and uncle, whose sole purpose in life was to look after his family.
“Andy was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was and always will be remembered as a true gentleman.
“We can’t even begin to describe the devastation we all feel. We would now like the opportunity to thank everyone for the love and support shown to us, and we would now like the time and respect to be able to grieve the massive loss to our family.”
Emergency services were called at 6.10am after an 11 tonne Isuzu HGV was involved in a single-vehicle collision between Chudleigh Station and Harcombe Bends.
The lorry, which had been travelling towards Plymouth, went out of control and crossed the central reservation, and ended up on its side on the opposite carriageway.
Mr Small sustained fatal injuries in the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Police are still appealing for witnesses who may have seen the yellow Isuzu heavy goods vehicle travelling on the A38 between Haldon and the scene of the collision.
Anyone who has any information that could help police with this investigation is asked to contact the Roads Policing Team by telephone on 101 or email: [email protected] quoting log 0159 of April 9.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s partner Katie and his family and friends.
“Andy had been working as an LGV driver through an agency for a number of weeks and was proving to be a very pleasant and conscientious person.
“There is currently an ongoing investigation that we are assisting with in any way possible.”
Alan Quick