A crowdfunding appeal has been launched for the partner of a ‘reliable and much-loved’ Newton Abbot taxi driver who died last month.

Karl Gabriel had worked as a cabbie for Gems Taxis and TQ12 Taxis.

News of his death emerged in mid-October, prompting Ugur Kucuk of Gems Taxis to launch the appeal to support Karl’s partner Linda.

In his GoFundMe post he said Karl had become ‘a familiar face within our local community’ who many customers will remember.

He said: “We are asking for donations to help ease the financial burden and give Linda some support as she navigates the loss of someone so special to her.

“Any contribution, no matter how big or small, would mean so much …. Let’s come together as a community to show Linda that she isn’t alone and that Karl is remembered with kindness and love.”

The appeal has been shared on Facebook by TQ12 Taxis, who are also asking customers who knew Karl to support the fundraiser.

They said: “Karl was a reliable and much-loved taxi driver, always up for a laugh and a joke with his customers.

“He will be greatly missed by us all.”

People responding to the Facebook post expressed shock and sadness at the news of Karl’s death.

One person said: “Our thoughts go out to all of you and his family. He was a lovely man always up for a chat with and a laugh.”

Others said they had ‘known Karl for years’, and sent their condolences to his family.

The GoFundMe appeal has set a target of £3,000, and since its launch in mid-October, it has raised more than £1,000.