A 20-YEAR-OLD Glasgow man who was due to become a dad has been killed in a horrific crash in America.

Christopher Divers, 20, died after the van he was travelling in was in collision with a pick-up truck in Mitchell County, North Carolina.

Another man, Ryno Ferreira, died in the accident, while six other people, including four from the UK, were injured and are being treated in hospital in Tennessee.

Celtic fan Christopher, who was known as "Chrissy" and from Penilee, flew to the States two weeks ago to train to be a golf course green keeper.

His devastated partner Gemma Kelly, 19, is expecting their first child in October. Christopher was to return shortly before the birth in the same month he would have turned 21.

Within hours of learning of his death Gemma began raising money to allow Christopher's parents Gary and Clare to fly to the States to bring their son's body home. More than £1900 has been raised so far, including £150 from Christo-pher's brother Daniel, 18.

Gemma paid tribute to her partner on her fundraising website, saying, "Love you to the moon and back Christo-pher, you are the brightest star in the sky."

Christopher's dad Gary, 45, head greenkeeper at Crow Wood golf course in Muirhead, spoke of his devastation, saying he had lost "his pal". The pair worked together at Loch Lomond Golf Course.

He said: "He was the centre of the family. It's devastating. They were on their way home from a training day. They were at a junction, when they pulled up they were hit from the side. We found out on Sunday, two policemen came to the door.

"He had been studying green keeping at college. He was supposed to stay out longer but then they found out he was going to be a dad."

Gemma posted a heartfelt tribute to her partner, a former pupil of Lourdes Secondary, on her fundraising page.

She said: "Not only is Christopher my partner, he was a loving son to his amazing parents Clare and Gary, a brother to Daniel and most importantly he was becoming a dad for the first time ever."

Friends posted tributes to Christopher as they pledged to help Gemma raise £2500.

Christina Houston said: "rest in peace chris, miss you so much! shine bright."

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are providing consular assistance."

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk