Pals of 23-year-old speak about the shock of his sudden death

Devastated friends have contacted the Times to leave tributes to a Wembley man who died in a collision involving a rubbish truck.

Yousef Zayni was walking to work when the accident happened in Sapcote Trading Estate, Dudden Hill Lane, Willesden, on December 14.

The 23-year-old – who had recently graduated from Brunel University with a degree in Bio-Medical Science – died at the scene.

Paying tribute to his younger brother, devastated Yasser Zayni, 27, said: “He always had a smile on his face. He was the sweetest person and brother I could have wished for.

“Yousef graduated this year and started his new job only a month ago. It is such a sad loss not only for his family but for everyone who knew him. We are all in shock.”

Mr Zayni, who lived with his family in Preston Road, was a pupil at Mount Stewart Junior School, in Mount Stewart Avenue, Kenton, and Preston Manor High School, in Carlton Avenue East, Wembley.

His grieving family are calling on witnesses to come forward to help piece together his final moments.

His brother said: “If anybody has any information we urge them to come forward to help bring some closure for our family.”

The driver of the truck was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been bailed to return in April.

Witnesses are asked to call the road death investigation unit on 020 8998 5319.

Below are a selection of tributes left by the heartbroken friends of Mr Zayni.

Faizan Khalid: “We went to Preston Manor High School together and shared countless memories. We played football religiously throughout school.

“As we got older we still found time to meet up on weekends, play games and go out. During the summers we met nearly every day.

“He was always someone who you could rely on. He was generous, kept all our friends in contact each other and above all he was a family man.

“I am still coming to terms with the loss, because it is so tragic. I can only imagine what his brothers and parents must be going through.”

Abdulla Mansour wrote: “I first met Yousef with his brother Abbas about ten years ago, and went to a local Arabic school together where his mother also worked.

“While we lost contact when we finished at school we would from time to time see each other and say hi.

“I will remember him for his smile and genuinely nice manner. My heart goes out to him and his family.”

Ahmed Darwish said: “It has been a complete shock to all of his friends and even for some people who didn’t even know him but have heard what nice of a person he was.

“A person who with his infectious smile made everyone happy, he erased my worries with his brotherly hug.

“He always made me laugh. A truly wonderful person and will always be missed.”

Noura Abdul-Cader wrote: “I was very shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Yousef Zayni.

“Yousef was in my class, so I have known him since I first moved to the country. I particularly remember the summer before we all started university, when we all hung out together very regularly - met up for meals, and picnics in Hyde Park.

“Yousef was super friendly and it was rare to see him without a massive smile on his face. His smile and his laughter were both infectious. He was a very pleasant person to be around. He will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered.”

Sisters Amira and Hoda Nassr said: “Yousef was a beloved friend. He has left many of us heartbroken but will remain in our hearts and prayers forever now. A beautiful smile and a positive spirit.

“Attending his burial has highlighted the love that everyone has for him, all those blessed to have known him. When I think of Yousef I remember him laughing and joking and he will stay in our memories always doing so.”