TRIBUTES have been paid to a Worcestershire drummer who died more than two weeks after he was in a crash near Droitwich.

Jamie Airns, known as Jammer, died at about midnight on Sunday, July 1, after becoming unwell in hospital.

The 46-year-old, of Evesham, had been thought to be in a stable condition following the accident at 6.45am on Friday, June 15, when his Citroen C3 was involved in a crash with an articulated lorry on the A38 at the Copcut Elm island.

Mr Airns was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with multiple injuries.

The partner of Mr Airns, who was the former drummer in rock bands Choir Boys, Black Out, Wreckage, Medulla Nocte, Murder One and Anger Management, said his death had left a hole in her heart.

Debbie O’Connor said: “I am heartbroken. I have lost a wonderful human being – a larger than life person who was always happy.

“He was everything to me and this has left a huge hole in my heart.

“Jamie was never ill and was always fit and healthy. He was known to many of his friends as Jammer.

“He loved music and played the drums for 30 years, playing all around the country – at Download festival, for Radio One and in Europe.

“Music and heavy metal were his passion. When he was younger he roadied for Thin Lizzy.

“We also loved going away to America for our holidays. I was his partner for nearly 11 years and I will treasure all the time I had with Jamie.

“He inherited my three kids and then the grandchildren and he treated them all the same.

“He was full of love and he was loved by all his family and friends, especially his mother Pauline, who is 76 and asked me to say just how much she loved him.

“We are all devastated and Jamie will be sorely missed.”

Mr Airns, who had retired from playing in a band last year, was planning to set up another band this summer.

Best friend Nigel Briffett said: “He wasn’t a very technical drummer, but used to hit them very hard.”

The owner of Worcester’s Marr’s Bar Brian Mayer said Mr Airns was a powerhouse and the driving force behind all his bands.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the crash to call them on 101 or via Crime-toppers on 0800 555111.

The funeral for Mr Airns will be held at All Saints Church in Evesham on Monday, July 16, from 2pm.