DONATIONS of more than £6,000 have poured in for the family of a soldier who died in a hit-and-run accident in America.

Greg Symonds, 31, suffered “significant” head injuries after he was hit by a car in Santa Monica, California.

The father-of-two, described as a “superhero” by his friends, was on duty with the Parachute Regiment in the country while his wife Tamsin, 35, remained in Newport.

The pair had married in 2012, with Mrs Symonds flying out to be at his bedside before he passed away on March 21 at a Los Angeles hospital.

In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe page set up by family friend Kyle Burrows has received £6,500 from more than 240 people.

The page was set up to offer financial support to his wife and their two children, Bodhi, five, and Bronte, two.

Paying tribute to his friend, Mr Burrows wrote on the page: “In loving memory of Greg, a wonderful father - a true super hero to his two children Bodhi and Bronte.

“A brother, a superhero of a husband to Tamsin and our real life Superhero serving in the Parachute Regiment for our country.

“We have been inundated with requests to send flowers, but we thought what might be best is this which will be put towards creating happy memories for his two children as that is what he would have wanted or any bereavement counselling that may help with this devastating loss.

“To all of you that have so generously gave a little and a lot, we are truly truly touched by your generosity.”

Other donators, posting on the page, have offered messages of support for the family including Abby Davies who said: “Heartbroken for you, love and strength to you Tamsin. Hugs and Kisses to you and your gorgeous little ones”.

A former schoolmate of Mr Symonds wrote: “Good friend through out school #memories R.I.P Greg mate thoughts all with the family love Craig and family x”.

Lt. Saul Rodriguez, from the Santa Monica Police Department in California, confirmed the death of Mr Symonds and said that local police are continuing to investigate the incident.

He said: “An arrest has not been made in the incident and the case is on-going. Traffic Division Investigators are working any and all possible leads in the matter.”

A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said they are prepared to offer assistance if requested.

To donate to the page, visit http://tinyurl.com/ls7gf7h.