THE funeral of a young taxi driver who was tragically killed in the M606 crash on Monday night will be held today. 

Sohail Ali, 28, was killed when a Ford Transit van travelling the wrong way on the motorway ploughed into the taxi he was driving.

He and his passenger Simon McHugh, 49, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Kyden Leadbeater, 18, was a passenger in the van and died in hospital on Tuesday morning.

Mr Ali was described by his family as a “hardworking, happy, gentle and kind individual”.

His funeral will be held at 7.15pm at the Jamia Masjid Hanfia in Manningham and his burial will be at Scholemoor Cemetery at 8pm, it has been announced. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Paying tribute, his family said: “From a young age, he has always been hard-working and has always gone the extra mile for his family, friends and anyone in the community.

“If ever he was needed, he was always first to offer his support and love.

“He had the ability to make you feel comfortable with his presence and words, he knew exactly what to say and when to say it.

“Sohail had many cousins, all to whom he was like a best friend, he will be dearly missed by all of us his father, mother, brothers, sister and all of our family.

“We are all distraught at this heart-breaking and shocking news.”

They said he was passionate about his job and added: “All his customers loved him, especially the elderly.”

Scores of tributes were left following the heart-breaking news of his death.

Ken Ives, from Zip Taxis, said: “Myself and everyone at Zip are in complete shock at what has happened to Sohail, one of our most popular drivers and friend to many.

“Our sincere condolences go to his family. Sohail’s dad and uncle, Ansur and Amjad, also work at Zip.

“Words cannot express how we are feeling. Our thoughts are also with the family of Simon and all at Jurys Inn. Both will be sorely missed.”

Paul Edward Clay added: “Sohail was a really nice guy who picked me and my family up a number of times. RIP Sohail. RIP to the passenger. My condolences to both men’s families at this most difficult of times.”

Susan Smith described him as “one of the nicest politest young taxi drivers I have ever known”.

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