A senior at Brindlee Mountain High School who died in an early morning crash Wednesday is being remembered as a “gentle and generous” presence in many lives.

Gavin Kade Daniel, 17, died in an incident that happened at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Warrenton Road and Bennett Drive.

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to pay for his funeral and final expenses.

“Gavin was a sweet, respectful person and a loving son and brother. He is left behind by his mother and siblings,” a statement on the page reads.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Daniel was driving left the roadway, struck a utility pole and a fiber optic box. Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey said Daniel was not using a seat belt at the time of crash and was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On social media, friends and family paid tribute to Daniel.

Courtney Ward wrote on Facebook, “Gavin was the sweetest, most kind-hearted kid I have ever met. There was always a smile on his face and he would brighten up any room he walked in. He had the best personality and was always so goofy and could make you laugh without even trying. He had the biggest heart.”

Andreann Laret wrote, “The world did not deserve a soul as gentle and generous as yours.”