Father-to-be Edward Long remembered as ‘quintessential country boy’

Father-to-be Edward Long lost his life in a horror crash in the Barossa Valley on Thursday night. He is remembered as a “hardworking, quintessential country boy”.

A former SA senator has remembered his beloved nephew as a ‘quintessential country boy’ after a horror smash took the young driver’s life on Thursday night.

Engaged and soon-to-be father Edward Long died when his truck veered onto a dirt road and crashed into a tree at Shea-Oak Log.

The 27-year-old’s uncle and former SA senator Sean Edwards lead tributes on Friday, telling 7NEWS his nephew was a “hardworking, quintessential country boy”.

“His partner is now facing an incredibly difficult time, as are his parents and the broader community,” Mr Edwards said.

A former SA senator has lead tributes to his nephew Edward Long who died in a horror crash at Shea-Oak Log on Thursday. Picture: Facebook

Edward Long (middle left) pictured with family and partner Danielle Sparks (middle right). Picture: Facebook

It is understood Mr Long was on his way home to Leasingham after enjoying a meal with his cousins when the tragedy unfolded.

Mr Edwards said he suspects Mr Long was “keen to get home to see his partner and talk about their future”.

Mr Long’s devastated grandparents visited the scene of the crash on Friday morning to lay flowers.

It’s been the second deadliest start to a year on SA’s roads in a decade.

Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said the number of lives lost was “completely unacceptable”.

“There’s been a life lost on South Australia roads on less than every third day of this year,” he said.